In the early 1980s, Roy Cockrum, a struggling actor in New York, was paid $40 a show for two supporting roles in an off-Broadway comedy. Fast forward to 2014, at age 58, Cockrum's life changed dramatically when he won the Powerball lottery, receiving a lump-sum check of $153 million. Instead of keeping it all for himself, he decided to allocate $60 million to establish a foundation aimed at supporting U.S. nonprofit theaters.
Since then, the Roy Cockrum Foundation has donated approximately $25 million, funding 47 theatrical productions across the United States. Cockrum's passion for theater and his ability to spot potential have made him stand out among other philanthropists.
The foundation's impact has been significant, with over 90% of its grants delivering expected results. Despite a few setbacks, such as the disruption caused by the CoVID-19 pandemic, the foundation remains committed to its mission of supporting bold and innovative theatrical projects.
One of the foundation's notable contributions was funding a staged version of Roberto Bolaño's novel '2666,' which was described as astonishing but 'recklessly ambitious.' Cockrum views this production as a model for the foundation's work, emphasizing art for its own sake.
Furthermore, the Cockrum Foundation's grants extend beyond classic plays to include works with social justice themes, such as productions addressing Native American land rights and the murder of Emmett Till.
Despite facing challenges like scammers misusing his name for fraudulent schemes, Cockrum remains dedicated to supporting the arts. With a long-term vision, the foundation plans to stay operational until 2113, ensuring continued support for the theater community.
Through strategic investments and a commitment to artistic excellence, the Roy Cockrum Foundation has made a lasting impact on the U.S. theater landscape, inspiring creativity and innovation in the performing arts.
