OKMULGEE, Okla. (AP) — Creek Nation leaders are mourning the recent death of playwright and director Bob Hicks, who was known for his contributions to the arts and for paving the way for Native Americans in Hollywood.
The tribe says Hicks died Friday after directing a performance of his latest play, "The Dawes Commission," at the National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, D.C. He was 80.
Tribal leaders say Hicks was just experiencing a resurgence as a writer and director. Creek Nation Principal Chief George Tiger called Hicks "a true renaissance man" in a statement released by the tribe Wednesday.
Tiger says Hicks has left an indelible mark on the performing arts community and says the tribe is honored Hicks counted himself a Creek citizen.
A funeral is planned Monday in Okmulgee.