Wilbert Rideau (born February 13, 1942) is a convicted killer and former death row inmate in Louisiana, as well as an author and award-winning prison journalist. Rideau was initially convicted of murder and served time in the Louisiana State Penitentiary (Angola). He was released in 2005 after being retried and convicted of the lesser charge of manslaughter.A Life magazine article in March 1993 referred to Rideau as "the most rehabilitated prisoner in America." While in prison, Rideau edited a prison magazine called The Angolite. He has also written several books and compilations.
A federal appeals court threw out his murder conviction on the grounds that when he was convicted in 1961, the jury selection process discriminated against blacks. Instead he was convicted of manslaughter and as he had served 44 years in prison, and the manslaughter sentence was 21 years, he was released on time served in 2005.
2
Sentenced to death for committing a murder the previous year. [1962]
3
Sentence commuted to life in prison. [1972]
Director
Title
Year
Status
Character
The Farm: Angola, USA
1998
Documentary
Producer
Title
Year
Status
Character
The Farm: Angola, USA
1998
Documentary co-producer - as Wilbert Rudeau
Self
Title
Year
Status
Character
Democracy Now!
2011
TV Series
Himself
The Farm: Angola, USA
1998
Documentary
Himself
Final Judgment: The Execution of Antonio James
1996
TV Movie
Himself - Commentary
Won Awards
Year
Award
Ceremony
Nomination
Movie
1998
Audience Award
DoubleTake Documentary Film Festival
The Farm: Angola, USA (1998)
Nominated Awards
Year
Award
Ceremony
Nomination
Movie
1998
Taos Land Grant Award
Taos Talking Picture Festival
The Farm: Angola, USA (1998)
Known for movies
The Farm: Angola, USA (1998) as Director
Final Judgment: The Execution of Antonio James (1996) as Himself - Commentary
$3 Million
