RIP Buzz Podewell, Tulane theatre professor and co-founder of its Shakespeare Festival

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Buzz Podewell, an accomplished theater professor at Tulane, died at his New Orleans home on Friday. Originally a child actor, Podewell came to Tulane in 1973 and eventually co-founded its Shakespeare Festival. Though best known for his work in theater, he also performed traditional jazz on banjo, working with Louis Armstrong’s widow Lil Hardin Armstrong and with New Orleans trumpeter Connie Jones. According to his wife, the jazz vocalist Banu Gibson, Podewell passed away with his family by his side. 

Buzz Podewell

Tulane theatre professor and jazz musician, Buzz Podewell

Condolences to the family and students of Tulane theater professor Buzz Podewell, who died Friday at age 69. He was also a jazz musician who played banjo with Lil Armstrong, Connie Jones and others.