Poet and actor, born in the projects of Brooklyn, New York, to a Puerto Rican mother and Norwegian father who met in a methadone clinic. They split up when he was very young and both died of AIDS.
Lemon Andersen had a harsh early life and ended up with a long conviction list, eventually serving time in Rikers Prison. He started writing poetry there, and went on to win a Tony award for his starring role in Def Poetry on Broadway. His on-stage memoir, 'County of Kings', has also garnered critical acclaim.
