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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

 
[Broadway, 2025]
Playwright
 
[West End, 2021] [Replacement]
Playwright[Replacement]
 
[West End, 2019]
Director
 
[Broadway, 2015]
Playwright
 
[West End, 2014]
Writer
 
[Broadway, 2012]
Director
 
[Broadway, 2009]
Director
 
[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]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 1991]
Adaptation
 
[Off-Broadway, 1979]
Director

Writing

Playwright
Playwright
Playwright
Playwright
Playwright
Playwright
Playwright
Bookwriter
Playwright
Adaptation
Playwright
Okaywright
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Source Material
Source Material
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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 ]

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

News


HOUSE OF GAMES and More Set For Hampstead Theatre's Spring 2025 Season
by Stephi Wild - Feb 3, 2025

Hampstead Theatre has announced details of its Spring 2025 season. The new programme, which runs from March to June, includes two world premieres and more.
Kieran Culkin Gets GLENGARRY GLEN ROSS Schedule Adjusted For Family Time
by Michael Major - Jan 27, 2025

Kieran Culkin has revealed that the performance schedule of Glengarry Glen Ross has been altered so he can spend time with his family. While he thought doing theater would give him more time with family, he had to ask for Sundays off to be a dad.
Amir Darvish Will Direct GLENGARRY GLEN ROSS at Empire Stage
by Stephi Wild - Jan 27, 2025

Actor/Director/Producer Amir Darvish will direct David Mamet’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play, Glengarry Glen Ross, at Empire Stage.  Learn more about the upcoming production here!
NEWSIES & More Set for Inland Valley Repertory Theatre 35th Anniversary Season
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 24, 2025

Inland Valley Repertory Theatre Company has revealed its 2025 season, celebrating 35 years of providing exceptional live theatre for the community. Learn how to purchase tickets.
Eddie Izzard to Bring Shakespeare's HAMLET to A.C.T.'s Strand Theater
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 22, 2025

Following a New York run, a box office record-breaking two-week run at the Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, and a six-week London run—Tony Award-nominated Eddie Izzard will bring her acclaimed solo performance of Hamlet to San Francisco! Learn more.
David Mamet's GLENGARRY GLEN ROSS Comes to Empire Stage in February
by Stephi Wild - Jan 16, 2025

Empire Stage and ArtBuzz Theatrics will present Glengarry Glen Ross, David Mamet's Pulitzer Prize-winning play from February 7th through February 23rd at the popular Fort Lauderdale venue.
Video: Bill Burr Reveals the Show That Ignited His Passion for Acting
by Josh Sharpe - Jan 15, 2025

On a visit to Jimmy Kimmel Live, comedian Bill Burr discussed making his Broadway debut in the upcoming production of Glengarry Glen Ross and shared the first play he saw that made him fall in love with acting. Watch the interview here!
John Douglas Thompson To Be Honored At Red Bull Theater Benefit
by A.A. Cristi - Jan 15, 2025

Red Bull Theater has announced that John Douglas Thompson will be presented with the Matador Award for Extraordinary Achievement in Classical Theater at the Running of the Red Bulls Gala Benefit.
WASTE by Carey Perloff to be Presented at Marin Theatre This Winter
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 4, 2025

Marin Theatre will kick off 2025 with Waste, a provocative Edwardian drama focused on devious behind-the-scenes political machinations, in a new production adapted and directed by Carey Perloff. Learn how to purchase tickets.
Kristen Bell to Return as Host of the Screen Actors Guild Awards
by Josh Sharpe - Dec 16, 2024

It has been announced that Award-winning actress and producer Kristen Bell (“Nobody Wants This,” “The Good Place”) will host the 31st Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards®, which will stream live on Netflix, on Sunday, Feb. 23, 2025.
GLENGARRY GLEN ROSS on Broadway Sets Dates and Theatre
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 10, 2024

The new Broadway production of David Mamet’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play Glengarry Glen Ross directed by Tony & Olivier Award-winner Patrick Marber has revealed dates, theatre, design team and ticketing information. Learn more!
Meet the Cast of CULT OF LOVE, Beginning Previews Tonight on Broadway
by Stephi Wild - Nov 20, 2024

Cult of Love begins previews tonight, November 20, on Broadway at Second Stage's Helen Hayes Theater. Meet the cast of Cult of Love here!
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld November 8, 2024
by - Nov 8, 2024

Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is November 8, 2024 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
Michael McKean and More Join GLENGARRY GLEN ROSS on Broadway
by Stephi Wild - Nov 7, 2024

Additional casting has been set for the new Broadway production of David Mamet’s Pulitzer Prize & Tony Award winning play Glengarry Glen Ross, directed by Tony & Olivier Award Winner Patrick Marber.
Jessica Chastain, Brendan Fraser, & Bryan Cranston Join David Mamet-Penned Film ASSASSINATION
by Josh Sharpe - Oct 29, 2024

Tony Award nominee Jessica Chastain, Brendan Fraser, and Tony-award-winner Bryan Cranston are all set to star in Assassination, the mystery thriller film from director Barry Levinson and playwright David Mamet and Sam Bromell.
Review: RACE is confronted by DIRT DOGS THEATRE CO
by Brett Cullum - Oct 21, 2024

It takes on the clash of white men, black men, and black women and fearlessly looks at all sides when confronted with a crime. Who will do the right thing? It’s a question that seems to hang over the country right now, so RACE could not come at a better time.
David Rasche and Mare Winningham Complete the Cast of CULT OF LOVE at Second Stage
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 21, 2024

David Rasche and Emmy Award winner, Academy Award and Tony Award nominee Mare Winningham will star in Leslye Headland’s CULT OF LOVE at Second Stage Theater. See who else is starring and learn how to purchase tickets.
Patti LuPone in Plays- A History
by Sidney Paterra - Oct 19, 2024

On Broadway alone, Patti has appeared in 28 shows- 14 of them are plays. This season, she's appearing opposite the great Mia Farrow in Jen Silverman's The Roommate, which is now running on Broadway at the Booth Theatre. Let's look back on some of her other great dramatic performances with these videos.
DIRTY LAUNDRY Extends At WP Theater Through Late October
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 11, 2024

DIRTY LAUNDRY at WP Theater has extended its run through late October.
Axial Theatre Presents THE BEST OF CACTUS FLOWERS: PART II September 27- 29
by A.A. Cristi - Sep 26, 2024

Axial Theatre in Westchester announced The Best of Cactus Flowers: Part II, featuring five short plays and a film screening from September 27-29 at St John's Episcopal Church in Pleasantville, NY.

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 received numerous awards throughout his career, including: - 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 - Best New American Play (Obie Awards) for Sexual Perversity in Chicago.

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