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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]
Director

Writing

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Bookwriter
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Adaptation
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Source Material
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David Mamet Movies

A Life in the Theatre
[ 1979 ] Writer
The Postman Always Rings Twice
[ 1981 ] Writer
The Verdict
[ 1982 ] Writer
About Last Night...
[ 1986 ]
Black Widow
[ 1987 ] Herb
The Untouchables
[ 1987 ] Writer
House of Games
[ 1987 ] Writer
Things Change
[ 1988 ] Writer
We're No Angels
[ 1989 ] Writer
Homicide
[ 1991 ] Writer
The Water Engine
[ 1992 ] Writer
Glengarry Glen Ross
[ 1992 ] Writer
Hoffa
[ 1992 ] Writer
Oleanna
[ 1994 ] Writer
Vanya on 42nd Street
[ 1994 ] Writer
Texan
[ 1994 ] Writer
American Buffalo
[ 1996 ]
Ricky Jay and His 52 Assistants
[ 1996 ]
Wag the Dog
[ 1997 ] Writer
The Spanish Prisoner
[ 1997 ] Writer
The Edge
[ 1997 ] Writer
Frogs for Snakes
[ 1998 ]
Lansky
[ 1999 ] Writer
The Winslow Boy
[ 1999 ] Writer
State and Main
[ 2000 ] Writer
Heist
[ 2001 ] Writer
Hannibal
[ 2001 ] Writer
Spartan
[ 2004 ] Writer
Edmond
[ 2005 ] Writer
Redbelt
[ 2008 ] writer/director
Choke
[ 2008 ]
Detective Cook and Ashby
[ 2010 ]
Phil Spector
[ 2013 ] Writer
About Last Night
[ 2014 ]
Knight of Cups
[ 2015 ]

David Mamet TV Shows

Dr. Katz, Professional Therapist
David
The Unit
[ 2006-2009 ] Creator
The Simpsons
David Mamet

David Mamet Awards and Nominations

Olivier Awards - 2002 - Best New Comedy

David MametBoston Marriage

Drama Desk Awards - 1995 - Outstanding One Person Show

David Mamet, The Cryptogram

Drama Desk Awards - 1995 - Outstanding Play

David Mamet, The Cryptogram


winner
Obie Awards - 1995 - Best Play

David Mamet, Cryptogram

The Pulitzer Prize - 1995 - The Pulitzer Prize for Drama

David Mamet, The Cryptogram

The Pulitzer Prize - 1995 - The Pulitzer Prize for Drama

David Mamet, The Cryptogram

Drama Desk Awards - 1992 - Outstanding New Play

David Mamet, Oleanna

Drama Desk Awards - 1988 - Outstanding New Play

David Mamet, Speed the Plow

Tony Awards - 1988 - Best Play

David Mamet, Speed-the-Plow

Drama Desk Awards - 1984 - Outstanding Play

David Mamet, Glengarry Glen Ross


winner
New York Drama Critics Circle Awards - 1984 - Best American Play

David Mamet, Glengarry Glen Ross


winner
The Pulitzer Prize - 1984 - The Pulitzer Prize for Drama

David Mamet, Glengarry Glen Ross

Tony Awards - 1984 - Best Play

David Mamet, Glengarry Glen Ross

Drama Desk Awards - 1983 - Outstanding Play

David MametEdmund


winner
Olivier Awards - 1983 - Play of the Year

David MametGlengarry Glen Ross

Drama Desk Awards - 1978 - Best New Play

David Mamet, The Water Engine

Drama Desk Awards - 1977 - Best New American Play

David Mamet, American Buffalo


winner
New York Drama Critics Circle Awards - 1977 - Best American Play

David Mamet, American Buffalo


winner
Obie Awards - 1976 - Best New American Play

David Mamet, American Buffalo


winner
Obie Awards - 1976 - Best New American Play

David Mamet, Sexual Perversity in Chicago

David Mamet Videos

David Mamet News


Betty Buckley, Darren Criss, and More To Headline BROADWAY SERIES In Provincetown


Tony Award-winning Broadway, film and TV legend Betty Buckley, and Emmy and Golden Globe Award-winning actor and singer Darren Criss will headline Town Hall performances as part of a revived and expanded Broadway music series produced by the Grammy and Emmy Award-winning artist John McDaniel and presented by Post Office Cafe & Cabaret and Tin Pan Alley.

Spotlight: UNPRODUCED SCREENPLAY ABOUT THE DEATH OF WALT DISNEY at Young Centre for the Performing Arts


Outside the March and Soulpepper Theatre present A Public Reading of an Unproduced Screenplay About the Death of Walt Disney

Eddie Izzard Brings HAMLET to Chicago Next Month


Chicago Shakespeare Theater has announced an addition to the season: Tony Award-nominated actor Eddie Izzard brings her celebrated solo theatrical performance of Hamlet to Chicago, direct from a triple-extended New York run at the Orpheum and Greenwich House Theaters and prior to launching a highly anticipated London transfer at Riverside Studios.

Patti LuPone & More to Join Atlantic Theater Company 2024 Gala


Atlantic Theater Company will present their 2024 Gala on Monday, April 29, 2024 at The Plaza. See who is taking part and learn how to purchase tickets.

Review: POTUS: OR, BEHIND EVERY GREAT DUMBASS ARE SEVEN WOMEN TRYING TO KEEP HIM ALIVE at Stage West Theatre


A truly funny - but very off-color - satire of American government and those we let run it. The purpose of a review should be to tell you what the play is about (without spoiling too much) and whether it’s worth your valuable time and money. 

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.

David Mamet FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many shows has David Mamet written?

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).

What awards has David Mamet been nominated for?

David Mamet has been nominated for various awards throughout his career. Some of his notable 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." Mamet received nominations for Outstanding New Play at the Drama Desk Awards for works like "Oleanna" and "Speed the Plow." Additionally, he has been recognized with awards such as Play of the Year at the Olivier Awards for "Glengarry Glen Ross" and Best American Play at the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards for "Glengarry Glen Ross" and "American Buffalo."

What awards has David Mamet won?

David Mamet has won several awards for his work in the theater, including the Obie Award for Best Play for "Cryptogram," the New York Drama Critics Circle Award for Best American Play for "Glengarry Glen Ross," the Pulitzer Prize for Drama for "Glengarry Glen Ross," the Olivier Award for Play of the Year for "Glengarry Glen Ross," the New York Drama Critics Circle Award for Best American Play for "American Buffalo," and two Obie Awards for Best New American Play for "American Buffalo" and "Sexual Perversity in Chicago."

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