Jason Miller

Jason Miller, originally named John Anthony Miller Jr., was born on April 22, 1939, and passed away on May 13, 2001. He was a distinguished American playwright and actor whose contributions to the arts left a lasting impact. Miller gained widespread acclaim for his play *That Championship Season*, which not only won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1973 but also earned him a Tony Award for Best Play in the same year.

In addition to his theatrical achievements, Miller is well-remembered for his role as Father Damien Karras in the iconic 1973 horror film *The Exorcist*, a performance that garnered him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. He reprised this memorable character in *The Exorcist III*, released in 1990, further solidifying his place in cinematic history.

Miller's passion for the theater continued as he took on the role of artistic director at the Scranton Public Theatre in Scranton, Pennsylvania, where the events of *That Championship Season* unfold. His legacy as both a playwright and actor continues to influence and inspire future generations in the performing arts, showcasing his remarkable talent and dedication to storytelling.