Jay Keenan

Jay Keenan was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He graduated with a B.A. from Duquesne University. He then went on to earn a Ph.D. in English and theater from the University of Wisconsin in 1969. He returned to his Alma Matre, Duquesne University, to head up the English department for over 30 years. While there, Dr. Keenan also lead the nationally renowned theater group, the Red Masquers. In 2008, Dr. Keenan was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award through the Pittsburgh New Works Festival. In the same year, he also won Best Minority Actor Award through the African American Council of the Arts, the only Caucasian actor to have done so. Now retired, Dr. Keenan continues to act in many stage productions throughout the Pittsburgh area.