BUFFALO, N.Y. — The award that recognizes the talent and contributions of the arts and entertainment industry from Western New Yorkers is back after a 21-year hiatus.
Shea’s Performing Arts Center announced the WNY Entertainment Hall of Fame 2024 inductees.
The names chosen include Patrick Fagan, Stephen McKinley Henderson, Lorna Hill, and Albert Nocciolino.
Patrick Fagan served as the President of Shea’s for 16-years and led a $16 million stage expansion.
“There was a demand to restore this building to build the stage house and get Phantom here and it all worked out perfectly. But again you have to remember you've got to take that first step which is forward and don't be afraid,” he said.
Stephen McKinley Henderson is a Tony-nominated actor who said he found a place to jumpstart his career in WNY.
“This is really where my career came together. I have been working cross country but in when it was 1981 came to Buffalo and I found an artistic home,” he said.
He appeared in Oscar-nominated films like Lincoln and Fences with two-time Academy Award winner Denzel Washington.
“Working with D, it was wonderful, and August Wilson. The joy is to have done what I love to do and have it appreciated,” he added.
Albert Nocciolino is a pioneer in the entertainment industry, earning Tony awards and connecting with audiences. He believes the arts and entertainment will continue to flourish in Buffalo.
“I see it going growing even more, the audience just keeps growing. I like to say that what we do helps generate and bring new audiences to the theatre, who then go out and see other shows.
Lorna Hill was an actor, playwright, director, and founder of Ujima Theater company. Hill died in 2020, but her legacy continues in Buffalo.
“She had a dream for her people, if you will, for her community, for her beloved community, as she will call it. I think moments like this are the thing that elevates that feeling that we can't do this without each other,” said Hill’s daughter Curtis Lovell.
This was the first Hall of Fame induction since 2003. The WNY Entertainment Hall of Fame now holds 19 people.