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David Mamet

Birth Place: Chicago, IL, USA

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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.

Photos

Productions

Glengarry Glen RossGlengarry Glen Ross
 
[Broadway, 2025]
Playwright
OleannaOleanna
 
[West End, 2021] [Replacement]
Playwright[Replacement]
Bitter WheatBitter Wheat
 
[West End, 2019]
Director
China DollChina Doll
 
[Broadway, 2015]
Playwright
Speed-the-PlowSpeed-the-Plow
 
[West End, 2014]
Writer
The AnarchistThe Anarchist
 
[Broadway, 2012]
Director
RaceRace
 
[Broadway, 2009]
Director
Ricky Jay: On the Stem
 
[Off-Broadway, 2002]
Director
Dangerous Corner
 
[Off-Broadway, 1995]
Director
The Cryptogram
 
[Off-Broadway, 1995]
Director
Ricky Jay & His 52 Assistants
 
[Off-Broadway, 1994]
Director
Oleanna
 
[Off-Broadway, 1992]
Director
Three Sisters
 
[Off-Broadway, 1991]
Adaptation
Reunion
 
[Off-Broadway, 1979]
Director

Writing

Duck Variations
Playwright
Reunion
Playwright
Edmond
Playwright
Reunion
Playwright
Oleanna
Playwright
The Cryptogram
Playwright
Edmond
Playwright
Urban Blight
Bookwriter
Romance
Playwright
Orchards
Adaptation
Boston Marriage
Playwright
Bitter Wheat
Okaywright
The Woods
Playwright
Source Material
Source Material
The Penitent
Playwright
The Woods
Playwright
Oleanna
Playwright
Race
Playwright
Speed-The-Plow
Playwright
November
Playwright

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
House of Games
[ 1987 ] Writer
The Untouchables
[ 1987 ] Writer
Things Change
[ 1988 ] Writer
We're No Angels
[ 1989 ] Writer
Homicide
[ 1991 ] Writer
Glengarry Glen Ross
[ 1992 ] Writer
Hoffa
[ 1992 ] Writer
The Water Engine
[ 1992 ] Writer
Oleanna
[ 1994 ] Writer
Texan
[ 1994 ] Writer
Vanya on 42nd Street
[ 1994 ] Writer
American Buffalo
[ 1996 ]
Ricky Jay and His 52 Assistants
[ 1996 ]
The Edge
[ 1997 ] Writer
The Spanish Prisoner
[ 1997 ] Writer
Wag the Dog
[ 1997 ] Writer
Frogs for Snakes
[ 1998 ]
Lansky
[ 1999 ] Writer
The Winslow Boy
[ 1999 ] Writer
State and Main
[ 2000 ] Writer
Hannibal
[ 2001 ] Writer
Heist
[ 2001 ] Writer
Spartan
[ 2004 ] Writer
Edmond
[ 2005 ] Writer
Choke
[ 2008 ]
Redbelt
[ 2008 ] writer/director
Detective Cook and Ashby
[ 2010 ]
Phil Spector
[ 2013 ] Writer
About Last Night
[ 2014 ]
Knight of Cups
[ 2015 ]
Henry Johnson
[ 2025 ] based on a play by

TV Shows

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

Videos

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News


SUZY EDDIE IZZARD TALKS SHAKESPEEARE N'STUFF [FORSOOTH] is Coming to Chicago Shakespe Photo
SUZY EDDIE IZZARD TALKS SHAKESPEEARE N'STUFF [FORSOOTH] is Coming to Chicago Shakespeare Theater
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 3, 2025

Chicago Shakespeare Theater will present a one-night-only benefit event: Suzy Eddie Izzard Talks Shakespeare N’Stuff [Forsooth] in January in The Yard.
Marla Mindelle & Josh Sharp to Lead A KIDMAN CAROL By Kevin Zak Photo
Marla Mindelle & Josh Sharp to Lead A KIDMAN CAROL By Kevin Zak
by Michael Major - Dec 2, 2025

Marla Mindelle and Josh Sharp will star as Nicole Kidman and Cate Blanchett, respectively, in a developmental production of A Kidman Carol: A Gay Dementia On Australian Dames. The play is written and directed by Kevin Zak (Ginger Twinsies).
Miguel Cervantes, Kathryn Gallagher and More to Join NYSAF's 40th Anniversary Gala Photo
Miguel Cervantes, Kathryn Gallagher and More to Join NYSAF's 40th Anniversary Gala
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 25, 2025

New York Stage and Film's 40th Anniversary Gala, commemorating 40 years of developing new works and a reunion of acclaimed artists at SAF, will honor Board Member Douglas Harmon and more.
Artistic Director Pam MacKinnon Will Depart American Conservatory Theater Photo
Artistic Director Pam MacKinnon Will Depart American Conservatory Theater
by Stephi Wild - Nov 21, 2025

American Conservatory Theater announced that Tony Award–winning Artistic Director Pam MacKinnon will depart the Bay Area’s premier nonprofit theater organization at the close of the 2025/26 season.
Eddie Izzard to Bring SHAKESPEARE'S HAMLET To Los Angeles Photo
Eddie Izzard to Bring SHAKESPEARE'S HAMLET To Los Angeles
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 14, 2025

Tony Award-nominated Eddie Izzard will bring Shakespeare's Hamlet to life in a dynamic new staging of the iconic play, adapted by Mark Izzard and directed by Selina Cadell, in Los Angeles.
Blog: From New Zealand to New York: Chasing My Dream Over 8,000 Miles Photo
Blog: From New Zealand to New York: Chasing My Dream Over 8,000 Miles
by Atlantic Theater Company - Nov 11, 2025

It was like a surge of electricity that filled my body and crackled in my lungs. Against the background bustle of the office in Auckland, New Zealand, where I worked, a friendly voice on the phone had just told me some of the most exciting news I’d ever heard. “Okay… thank you” was all I managed to get out at the end before hanging up and grinning in disbelief. I had been accepted to study acting at the Atlantic Acting School in New York on a full scholarship. I did a little dance.
Santino Fontana, Tony Shalhoub, and More Will Lead LIGHT UP THE SKY Reading at Sympho Photo
Santino Fontana, Tony Shalhoub, and More Will Lead LIGHT UP THE SKY Reading at Symphony Space
by Stephi Wild - Nov 10, 2025

​​​​​​​A staged reading of Moss Hart’s Light Up the Sky is coming to Symphony Space next month. The one-night-only reading is set for December 16. Learn more about the production here!
CRUMBS FROM THE TABLE OF JOY to Open Crossroads Theatre Company 47th Season Photo
CRUMBS FROM THE TABLE OF JOY to Open Crossroads Theatre Company 47th Season
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 24, 2025

Crossroads Theatre Company is launching its 47th season with, Lynn Nottage's 'Crumbs from the Table of Joy.' Learn more and see how to purchase tickets here.
Feature: Remembering one of DC Theatre's Visionaries Jerry Whiddon Photo
Feature: Remembering one of DC Theatre's Visionaries Jerry Whiddon
by Elliot Lanes - Oct 23, 2025

This past week the DC theatre community lost one of its visionaries with the passing of Artistic Director/Director/Performer/Mentor Jerry B. Whiddon at age 77. For twenty years Jerry served as the Producing Artistic Director Of Round House Theatre. The company was born out of Street 70 which Jerry helped start in 1970.
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld October 3, 2025- In the Rehearsal Room with CHESS and More Photo
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld October 3, 2025- In the Rehearsal Room with CHESS and More
by - Oct 3, 2025

Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is October 3, 2025 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
Thomas Gibson to Star in Industry Reading of David Mamet's HENRY JOHNSON Photo
Thomas Gibson to Star in Industry Reading of David Mamet's HENRY JOHNSON
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 2, 2025

Learn more about Thomas Gibson in the NYC reading of David Mamet's 'Henry Johnson,' exploring themes of manipulation and ethical ambiguity.
Oak Park Festival Theatre To Receive Special Equity Award At 57th Annual Jefferson Aw Photo
Oak Park Festival Theatre To Receive Special Equity Award At 57th Annual Jefferson Awards
by A.A. Cristi - Sep 26, 2025

Oak Park Festival Theatre will be honored with a Special Equity Award at the 57th Annual Joseph Jefferson Awards on September 29, 2025. The recognition coincides with the company’s 50th anniversary season, celebrating its historic partnership with the Park District of Oak Park, expanded programming, and doubled attendance since 2022.
Cast Set for CRUMBS FROM THE TABLE OF JOY at Crossroads Theatre Company Photo
Cast Set for CRUMBS FROM THE TABLE OF JOY at Crossroads Theatre Company
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 25, 2025

Crossroads Theatre Company has revealed the cast for its season opener, Lynn Nottage's 'Crumbs from the Table of Joy.' See who is starring and learn how to purchase tickets.
John Lee Beatty Will Receive Ming Cho Lee Award For Lifetime Achievement Photo
John Lee Beatty Will Receive Ming Cho Lee Award For Lifetime Achievement
by Nicole Rosky - Sep 8, 2025

Scenic designer John Lee Beatty will be honored with the Ming Cho Lee Award for Lifetime Achievement in Design bestowed by the Henry Hewes Design Awards .
From Broadway to DOWNTON ABBEY: A Look at Elizabeth McGovern's Stage Career Photo
From Broadway to DOWNTON ABBEY: A Look at Elizabeth McGovern's Stage Career
by Josh Sharpe - Sep 5, 2025

A longtime staple of New York and London stages, we are chronicling Elizabeth McGovern's theater roles ahead of the debut of Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale.
Video: Bob Odenkirk Shares Whether He Would Return to Broadway Photo
Video: Bob Odenkirk Shares Whether He Would Return to Broadway
by Josh Sharpe - Aug 15, 2025

While promoting his new movie Nobody 2, Bob Odenkirk reflected on his experience starring in the Broadway revival of Glengarry Glen Ross and shared whether he would perform on Broadway again in the future. Check out the interview!
UNCLE VANYA and More Set for Vermont Repertory Theatre Third Season Photo
UNCLE VANYA and More Set for Vermont Repertory Theatre Third Season
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Aug 13, 2025

Vermont Repertory Theatre has revealed its third season. The theatre was founded in 2023 by Michael Fidler and Connor Kendall. See the full season here and learn more!
Interview: 'I Still Don't Know What The Hell I'm Doing': Actor Robert Sean Leonard on Photo
Interview: 'I Still Don't Know What The Hell I'm Doing': Actor Robert Sean Leonard on Acting Origins, Auditions and Performing in INTERVIEW at London's Riverside Studios
by Kat Mokrynski - Aug 12, 2025

Recently, we had the chance to speak with Leonard about taking on the role of Pierre Peters. We discussed how he first got started in the world of theatre, what it’s like to perform in a new piece of theatre versus a revival of a classic work and what he thinks audiences will be talking about on the way home after the show.
Photos: A PLAY ABOUT DAVID MAMET WRITING A PLAY ABOUT HARVEY WEINSTEIN Reading Photo
Photos: A PLAY ABOUT DAVID MAMET WRITING A PLAY ABOUT HARVEY WEINSTEIN Reading
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jul 23, 2025

Mathilde Dratwa’s play A Play About David Mamet Writing a Play About Harvey Weinstein debuted in a one-night reading that benefited the NYCLU. See photos here!
Hansol Jung, Heidi Schreck, Sanaz Toossi, and Whitney White Will Make Cameos in A PLA Photo
Hansol Jung, Heidi Schreck, Sanaz Toossi, and Whitney White Will Make Cameos in A PLAY ABOUT DAVID MAMET... Reading
by Stephi Wild - Jul 21, 2025

Four female playwrights have joined tonight’s benefit reading of “A Play About David Mamet Writing a Play About Harvey Weinstein.' Hansol Jung, Heidi Schreck, Sanaz Toossi, and Whitney White, will make cameos as members of the audience.
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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?

Best New Comedy (Olivier Awards) for Boston Marriage, Outstanding One Person Show (Drama Desk Awards) for The Cryptogram, Outstanding Play (Drama Desk Awards) for The Cryptogram, Best Play (Obie Awards) for Cryptogram, The Pulitzer Prize for Drama (The Pulitzer Prize) for The Cryptogram, The Pulitzer Prize for Drama (The Pulitzer Prize) for The Cryptogram, Outstanding New Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Oleanna, Outstanding New Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Speed the Plow, Best Play (Tony Awards) for Speed-the-Plow, Outstanding Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Glengarry Glen Ross, Best American Play (New York Drama Critics Circle Awards) for Glengarry Glen Ross, The Pulitzer Prize for Drama (The Pulitzer Prize) for Glengarry Glen Ross , Best Play (Tony Awards) for Glengarry Glen Ross, Outstanding Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Edmund, Play of the Year (Olivier Awards) for Glengarry Glen Ross, Best New Play (Drama Desk Awards) for The Water Engine, Best New American Play (Drama Desk Awards) for American Buffalo, 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.

What awards has David Mamet won?

David Mamet has won several prestigious awards, including the Best Play Obie Award for Cryptogram and the Best American Play New York Drama Critics Circle Award for Glengarry Glen Ross. He received the Pulitzer Prize for Drama and the Play of the Year Olivier Award for Glengarry Glen Ross. Additionally, Mamet won the Best American Play New York Drama Critics Circle Award for American Buffalo, as well as the Best New American Play Obie Awards for both American Buffalo and Sexual Perversity in Chicago.

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