David Mamet

Birth Place: Chicago, IL, USA

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David Mamet BIO

David Mamet is a prolific playwright, screenwriter, and director known for his distinct style and sharp dialogue. Born in Chicago in 1947, Mamet began his career as a playwright in the 1970s, quickly gaining a reputation for his gritty, realistic portrayals of working-class characters.
Mamet's breakthrough came in 1976 with his play "American Buffalo," which premiered at the Goodman Theatre in Chicago before moving to Broadway the following year. The play, which follows a group of small-time crooks planning a heist, was praised for its raw, naturalistic dialogue and won the New York Drama Critics' Circle Award for Best American Play.
In the years that followed, Mamet continued to write plays that explored the darker corners of American society, including "Glengarry Glen Ross" (1984), which won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, and "Oleanna" (1992), a controversial play about sexual harassment on college campuses.
Mamet also found success as a screenwriter, penning scripts for films such as "The Verdict" (1982), "The Untouchables" (1987), and "Wag the Dog" (1997). His screenplay for "The Untouchables" earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay.
In addition to his work in theater and film, Mamet has also written several novels and worked as a director for both stage and screen. He made his directorial debut with the film "House of Games" (1987) and has since directed several other films, including "The Spanish Prisoner" (1997) and "Redbelt" (2008).
Mamet's most recent work includes the play "The Penitent," which premiered Off-Broadway in 2017. The play, which centers on a psychiatrist who refuses to testify in a court case, explores themes of guilt, redemption, and the nature of truth.

David Mamet Photos

David Mamet Productions

 
[West End, 2021] [Replacement]
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[West End, 2019]
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[Broadway, 2015]
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[West End, 2014]
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[Broadway, 2012]
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[Broadway, 2009]
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[Off-Broadway, 2002]
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[Off-Broadway, 1995]
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[Off-Broadway, 1995]
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[Off-Broadway, 1994]
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[Off-Broadway, 1992]
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[Off-Broadway, 1991]
Adaptation
 
[Off-Broadway, 1979]
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Writing

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Source Material
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David Mamet Movies

[1979]A Life in the Theatre Writer

[1981]The Postman Always Rings Twice Writer

[1982]The Verdict Writer

[1986]About Last Night...

[1987]Black Widow Herb

[1987]The Untouchables Writer

[1987]House of Games Writer

[1988]Things Change Writer

[1989]We're No Angels Writer

[1991]Homicide Writer

[1992]The Water Engine Writer

[1992]Glengarry Glen Ross Writer

[1992]Hoffa Writer

[1994]Oleanna Writer

[1994]Vanya on 42nd Street Writer

[1994]Texan Writer

[1996]American Buffalo

[1996]Ricky Jay and His 52 Assistants

[1997]Wag the Dog Writer

[1997]The Spanish Prisoner Writer

[1997]The Edge Writer

[1998]Frogs for Snakes

[1999]Lansky Writer

[1999]The Winslow Boy Writer

[2000]State and Main Writer

[2001]Heist Writer

[2001]Hannibal Writer

[2004]Spartan Writer

[2005]Edmond Writer

[2008]Redbelt writer/director

[2008]Choke

[2010]Detective Cook and Ashby

[2013]Phil Spector Writer

[2014]About Last Night

[2015]Knight of Cups


David Mamet TV Shows

Dr. Katz, Professional Therapist David

[ 2006-2009]The Unit Creator

The Simpsons David Mamet

David Mamet Awards and Nominations

Olivier Awards - 2002 - Best New Comedy

David MametBoston Marriage

Obie Awards - 1995 - Best Play

David Mamet, Cryptogram

Tony Awards - 1988 - Best Play

David Mamet, Speed-the-Plow

Drama Desk Awards - 1984 - Outstanding Play

David Mamet, Glengarry Glen Ross

Tony Awards - 1984 - Best Play

David Mamet, Glengarry Glen Ross

Olivier Awards - 1983 - Play of the Year

David MametGlengarry Glen Ross

Drama Desk Awards - 1978 - Best New Play

David Mamet, The Water Engine

Obie Awards - 1976 - Best New American Play

David Mamet, American Buffalo

Obie Awards - 1976 - Best New American Play

David Mamet, Sexual Perversity in Chicago

David Mamet Videos

David Mamet News


DINNER WITH FRIENDS To Be Presented At The Zephyr Theatre This April

DINNER WITH FRIENDS, a Pulitzer Prize-winning play by Donald Margulies, will be presented by Adriano Aragon and Foursome Productions at the Zephyr Theatre.

Florida Rep Ends The Season With OLEANNA By David Mamet

Florida Repertory Theatre's 2023-2024 season will close in the ArtStage Studio Theatre with David Mamet's riveting drama, “Oleanna,” playing April 19 through May 19, 2024.

Review: GLENGARRY GLEN ROSS at Trinity Street Playhouse

What did our critic think of GLENGARRY GLEN ROSS at Trinity Street Playhouse?

The Old Globe Launches The Inaugural Powers Playwriting Fellowship

The Old Globe is launching the inaugural Powers Playwriting Fellowship. Learn more about the fellowship!

These Stars of SUCCESSION Have Ties to the Stage

With Jeremy Strong making his Broadway return in An Enemy of the People this season, BroadwayWorld is exploring some of the others stars of the iconic series Succession, who have ties to the stage.

GLENGARRY GLEN ROSS to be Presented at Sierra Stages in March

Sierra Stages will present Glengarry Glen Ross, David Mamet’s theatrical masterpiece about toxic salesmen clawing their way up the ladder of cutthroat capitalism. Learn more about the show and see how to purchase tickets!

FOREVER PLAID, FULLY COMMITTED & More Set for Florida Repertory Theatre 2024-25 Season

Florida Repertory Theatre has unveiled its 27th Season in the Historic Arcade and ArtStage Studio Theatres which opens to previews on September 17. See which shows are a part of the lineup and learn how to purchase tickets.

Review: MAURITIUS at Kanata Theatre

What did our critic think of MAURITIUS at Kanata Theatre?

Great Barrington Public Theater to Host Live, Sit-Down Talk With Neil Pepe

Great Barrington Public Theater is inviting theater lovers and artists to take part in the company’s Conversation With Neil Pepe.

Refracted Theatre Company Reveals 2024 Season

Refracted Theatre Company has announced its 2024 season, featuring the Chicago premiere of Laura Winters' dark comedy CORONATION, and more!

Video: LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS Stars Evan Rachel Wood and Darren Criss Belt Out A Grunge Classic

Evan Rachel Wood and Darren Criss the newest stars of Off-Broadway's Little Shop of Horrors! The two stars took the stage this week for a different kind of performance, belting out the 90s rock classic, 'Inside Out' by the band Eve 6. Watch in this video!

Patti LuPone & More to Perform at Mayo Performing Arts Center in March

Mayo Performing Arts Center has unveiled its March lineup featuring Patti LuPone and more. See who is performing and learn how to purchase tickets!

Evan Rachel Wood Reveals She Nearly Played Audrey in LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS Once Before

Evan Rachel Wood and Darren Criss are set to begin performances in Little Shop of Horrors tonight, January 30. But did you know Wood has almost played Audrey once before?

Pam MacKinnon and Orlando Pabotoy to Receive 2022-2023 Joe A. Callaway Awards From SDCF

Pam MacKinnon and Orlando Pabotoy receive the 2022-2023 Joe A. Callaway Awards from Stage Directors and Choreographers Foundation for excellence in directing and choreography.

PARTY? Makes NYC Debut March 14-31 On Theatre For The New City Stage

'Party?' a poignant comedy described by playwright Anne Marilyn Lucas as 'A Doll's House meets Neil Simon' provides a fresh and often humorous look at marriage through the eyes of three generations of one family.

Aurora Theatre Company Presents The Bay Area Premiere Of MANAHATTA, February 9- March 10

Aurora Theatre Company marks the halfway point of its 32nd season with the Bay Area premiere of Mary Kathryn Nagle's MANAHATTA.

PARTY? to Debut in March at Theatre For The New City

'Party?' will make its NYC debut in March at Theatre for the New City. Learn how to purchase tickets!

Great Barrington Public Theater Kicks Off 2024 With A Conversation With Jeff Zinn January 29

Great Barrington Public Theater hosts a live conversation and Q&A with Jeff Zinn, a writer, director, and theater guru, on January 29 at St. James Place.

World Premiere of MARILYN, MOM & ME to Open International City Theatre 2024 Season

International City Theatre will open its 2024 season with the world premiere of Yankee’s deeply personal comic drama, Marilyn, Mom & Me.

22 Theater Books for Your Winter 2024 Reading List

The weather outside might still be frightful for a while, but what better time to stay in and snuggle up with a great Broadway read? Check out our complete Winter 2024 reading list!

David Mamet FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

David Mamet has written 29 shows including A Life in the Theatre (Playwright), The Water Engine (Playwright), Duck Variations (Playwright), The Woods (Playwright), Prairie du Chien and The Shawl (Playwright), Orchards (Adaptation), Urban Blight (Bookwriter), Bobby Gould in Hell (Playwright), Reunion (Playwright), Oleanna (Playwright), Death Defying Acts (Playwright), The Cryptogram (Playwright), Edmond (Playwright), The Old Neighborhood (Playwright), The Water Engine/Mr. Happiness (Playwright), Sexual Perversity in Chicago-The Duck Variations (Author), Boston Marriage (Playwright), Romance (Playwright), Glengarry Glen Ross (Playwright), The Voysey Inheritance (Adaptation), November (Playwright), Speed-The-Plow (Playwright), American Buffalo (Playwright), Two Unrelated Plays by David Mamet: Keep Your Pantheon and School (Playwright), Oleanna (Playwright), Race (Playwright), China Doll (Author), The Penitent (Playwright), Bitter Wheat (Okaywright).

David Mamet has been nominated for various awards throughout his career. Some of his nominations include Best New Comedy at the Olivier Awards for "Boston Marriage," Outstanding One Person Show at the Drama Desk Awards for "The Cryptogram," and Best Play at the Obie Awards for "Cryptogram." He has also been nominated for The Pulitzer Prize for Drama for "The Cryptogram" and "Glengarry Glen Ross." Other nominations include Outstanding New Play at the Drama Desk Awards for "Oleanna" and "Speed the Plow," Best Play at the Tony Awards for "Speed-the-Plow" and "Glengarry Glen Ross," and Play of the Year at the Olivier Awards for "Glengarry Glen Ross." Additionally, Mamet received nominations for Best New Play at the Drama Desk Awards for "The Water Engine," Best New American Play at the Drama Desk Awards for "American Buffalo," and Best New American Play at the Obie Awards for "American Buffalo" and "Sexual Perversity in Chicago."

David Mamet has won several prestigious awards throughout his career, including the Best Play (Obie Awards) for "Cryptogram," Best American Play (New York Drama Critics Circle Awards) for "Glengarry Glen Ross," The Pulitzer Prize for Drama for "Glengarry Glen Ross," Play of the Year (Olivier Awards) for "Glengarry Glen Ross," Best American Play (New York Drama Critics Circle Awards) for "American Buffalo," Best New American Play (Obie Awards) for "American Buffalo," and Best New American Play (Obie Awards) for "Sexual Perversity in Chicago."

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