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Harold Pinter

Birth Place: ENGLAND

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BIO

Harold Pinter was an English playwright, screenwriter, director, and actor, widely regarded as one of the most influential and important dramatists of the 20th century. Born in Hackney, East London, on October 10, 1930, Pinter grew up in a working-class Jewish family. He attended Hackney Downs School, where he excelled in English literature and drama, and later studied at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art.


Pinter's early career was marked by a series of odd jobs, including working as a waiter, a sweeper, and a repertory actor. In 1957, he achieved his breakthrough as a playwright with his first full-length play, The Birthday Party, which premiered at the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre in London. The play was initially panned by critics, but it later became recognized as a masterpiece of modern drama.
Pinter's subsequent plays, including The Caretaker (1960), The Homecoming (1965), and Betrayal (1978), established him as a major force in the theatre world. His plays are known for their sparse, elliptical dialogue, their use of silence and pauses, and their exploration of power dynamics and human relationships. Pinter's work has been described as a blend of comedy and menace, a reflection of the absurdity and brutality of modern life.
In addition to his work as a playwright, Pinter was also a prolific screenwriter, penning scripts for films such as The French Lieutenant's Woman (1981), The Handmaid's Tale (1990), and Sleuth (2007). He also directed several of his own plays, as well as films and television productions.
Pinter was a vocal political activist, and his work often reflected his left-wing views. He was a staunch critic of American foreign policy, particularly in relation to the Iraq War, and he was a member of the Stop the War Coalition. In 2005, he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature, in recognition of his "unmistakable voice, that with a minimum of means, captures the underlying universal truths of human existence."
Pinter's stage work was also recognized with numerous awards and accolades. He won the Laurence Olivier Award for Best New Play for The Caretaker and The Homecoming, and he was nominated for the Tony Award for Best Play for Betrayal. He was also awarded the Companion of Honour in 2002, and the BAFTA Fellowship in 2005.
Pinter's legacy continues to influence contemporary theatre, film, and literature. His plays are regularly produced around the world, and his screenplays are studied in film schools and universities. His influence can be seen in the work of many contemporary playwrights, including David Mamet and Martin McDonagh.
Despite his success and critical acclaim, Pinter remained a private and enigmatic figure. He was married to actress Vivien Merchant from 1956 to 1980, and later to author Antonia Fraser. He was diagnosed with esophageal cancer in 2001, but continued to work and write until his death on December 24, 2008.
In conclusion, Harold Pinter was a towering figure in 20th-century theatre, whose work continues to captivate and challenge audiences. His plays and screenplays are marked by their distinctive style and their exploration of power, politics, and human relationships. Pinter's legacy is a testament to the enduring power of art to illuminate and transform the world around us.

Photos

Productions

Old TimesOld Times
 
[Broadway, 2015]
Playwright
Otherwise Engaged
 
[Broadway, 1977]
Director
The Innocents
 
[Broadway, 1976]
Director
The Man in the Glass Booth
 
[Broadway, 1968]
Director

Writing

Play/ The Lover
Playwright
Landscape/ Silence
Playwright
Playwright
The Homecoming
Playwright
Playwright
Playwright
Other Places
Playwright
Old Times
Playwright
The Birthday Party
Playwright
Playwright
Moonlight
Playwright
The Hothouse
Playwright
Ashes to Ashes
Playwright
Old Times
Playwright
No Man's Land
Playwright
The Homecoming
Playwright
The Caretaker
Playwright
Betrayal
Playwright

Movies

The Servant
[ 1963 ] People in restaurant: Society Man
The Guest
[ 1963 ] writer
The Pumpkin Eater
[ 1964 ] writer
The Quiller Memorandum
[ 1966 ] writer
Modesty Blaise
[ 1966 ] writer
Accident
[ 1967 ] Bell - TV Producer
The Birthday Party
[ 1968 ] writer
The Rise and Rise of Michael Rimmer
[ 1970 ] Steven Hench
The Go-Between
[ 1971 ] writer
The Homecoming
[ 1973 ] writer
The Last Tycoon
[ 1976 ] writer
The French Lieutenant's Woman
[ 1981 ] writer
Betrayal
[ 1983 ] writer
Turtle Diary
[ 1985 ] Man in Bookshop
Reunion
[ 1989 ] writer
The Comfort of Strangers
[ 1990 ] writer
The Handmaid's Tale
[ 1990 ] writer
The Trial
[ 1993 ] writer
Mojo
[ 1997 ] Sam Ross
Mansfield Park
[ 1999 ] Sir Thom Bertram
The Tailor of Panama
[ 2001 ] Uncle Benny
Sleuth
[ 2007 ] Man on T.V.

Awards and Nominations

The Lortels - 2011 - Outstanding Revival

Harold Pinter, The Collection & A Kind of Alaska


winner
Evening Standard Awards - 2004 - Lebedev Special Award

Harold Pinter


winner
The Lortels - 1999 - Outstanding Lifetime Achievement

Harold Pinter


winner
Olivier Awards - 1996 - The Society's Special Award

Harold Pinter

Olivier Awards - 1993 - Best Revival of a Play or Comedy

Harold PinterNo Man's Land

Olivier Awards - 1981 - Director of the Year

Harold PinterQuartermaine's Terms


winner
New York Drama Critics Circle Awards - 1980 - Best Foreign Play

Harold Pinter, Betrayal


winner
Olivier Awards - 1979 - Play of the Year

Harold PinterBetrayal

Drama Desk Awards - 1977 - Best New Foreign Play

Harold Pinter, No Man's Land

New York Drama Critics Circle Awards - 1977 - Best Play

Harold Pinter, No Man's Land

New York Drama Critics Circle Awards - 1972 - Best Foreign Play

Harold Pinter, Old Times

Tony Awards - 1972 - Best Play

Harold Pinter, Old Times

Tony Awards - 1969 - Best Direction of a Play

Harold Pinter, The Man in the Glass Booth


winner
New York Drama Critics Circle Awards - 1967 - Best Play

Harold Pinter, The Homecoming


winner
Tony Awards - 1967 - Best Play

Harold Pinter, The Homecoming

Tony Awards - 1962 - Best Play

Harold Pinter, The Caretaker


winner
Evening Standard Awards - 1960 - Best Play

Harold PinterThe Caretaker

Videos

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News


RSC's WENDY & PETER PAN and TWELFTH NIGHT Set For The Barbican This Autumn Photo
RSC's WENDY & PETER PAN and TWELFTH NIGHT Set For The Barbican This Autumn
by Stephi Wild - Jul 8, 2025

Director Jonathan Munby's spectacular production of Wendy & Peter Pan will play the Barbican Theatre this autumn. Learn more about the full upcoming season here!
Review: THE CONSTANT WIFE, Starring Rose Leslie Photo
Review: THE CONSTANT WIFE, Starring Rose Leslie
by Cheryl Markosky - Jul 7, 2025

It's a bold move for the Royal Shakespeare Company to slip in a remake of W Somerset Maugham's 1920s lesser-known comedy about infidelity in amongst more serious offerings like King Lear and Timon of Athens.
Harold Pinter's OLD TIMES to Open at Soulpepper Theatre Photo
Harold Pinter's OLD TIMES to Open at Soulpepper Theatre
by Emmy Rice - Jul 6, 2025

In August, Soulpepper Theatre invites audiences to take in a simmering theatrical masterpiece, presenting Harold Pinter’s Old Times on stage August 6th through to September 7th.
Interview: 'I'm Going Full Out With London!': John Cameron Mitchell on His Debut West Photo
Interview: 'I'm Going Full Out With London!': John Cameron Mitchell on His Debut West End Show, JOHN CAMERON MITCHELL: LIVE IN LONDON
by Kat Mokrynski - Jul 1, 2025

John Cameron Mitchell, known as the writer, director and star of Hedwig and the Angry Inch, will be making his West End debut at the Adelphi Theatre in his own concert, John Cameron Mitchell: Live in London. Recently, we had the chance to talk with John Cameron Mitchell about his upcoming London concert. We discussed what it’s like to put on concerts around the world, a bit of his creative process and even some of the guests who will be taking part in the show!
Tom Glynn-Carney and Hayley Squires Will Star in ALL MY SONS, Limited Season Extends Photo
Tom Glynn-Carney and Hayley Squires Will Star in ALL MY SONS, Limited Season Extends
by Stephi Wild - Jun 25, 2025

Tom Glynn-Carney will play George Deever and Hayley Squires will play Ann Deever in Arthur Miller's ALL MY SONS, directed by Ivo Van Hove.
Victorian Thriller GASLIGHT Comes to Pacific Resident Theatre Photo
Victorian Thriller GASLIGHT Comes to Pacific Resident Theatre
by Emmy Rice - Jun 21, 2025

Pacific Resident Theatre launches the classic Victorian thriller, Gaslight, adding suspense and intrigue to its current season of world-class entertainment.
Mark Knightley, Ben Owora Will Lead SHERLOCK HOLMES: THE HUNT FOR MORIARTY UK Tour Photo
Mark Knightley, Ben Owora Will Lead SHERLOCK HOLMES: THE HUNT FOR MORIARTY UK Tour
by Nicole Rosky - Jun 20, 2025

Blackeyed Theatre has announced tour dates and casting for a UK touring production, Sherlock Holmes: The Hunt for Moriarty, a world premiere by Nick Lane based on the work of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.
Capgras Theatre Company Will Preview New Yorgos Lanthimos and Harold Pinter Inspired Photo
Capgras Theatre Company Will Preview New Yorgos Lanthimos and Harold Pinter Inspired Play STRANGEWIFE
by Stephi Wild - Jun 18, 2025

A wicked blend of drama and bleak comedy reminiscent of Yorgos Lanthimos and Harold Pinter, internationally-based Capgras Theatre Company presents their debut production for the stage Strangewife.
Full Cast Set For Conor McPherson's THE WEIR With Brendan Gleeson Photo
Full Cast Set For Conor McPherson's THE WEIR With Brendan Gleeson
by Stephi Wild - Jun 18, 2025

The full cast has been announced for a new production of The Weir written, and directed for the first time, by Conor McPherson, starring Brendan Gleeson making his West End debut.
The Marlowe Theatre WRITERS' ROOM FESTIVAL Returns This July Photo
The Marlowe Theatre WRITERS' ROOM FESTIVAL Returns This July
by A.A. Cristi - Jun 18, 2025

The Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury, has announced Writers' Room Festival – a 6-day festival of new writing celebrating talent from Kent and beyond with a programme of plays, rehearsed readings, writing workshops, talks and panel discussions.
Tangent Theatre Hosts BETRAYAL Reading at The Stissing Center Photo
Tangent Theatre Hosts BETRAYAL Reading at The Stissing Center
by Stephi Wild - May 28, 2025

Tangent Theatre Company will host a reading of BETRAYAL by Harold Pinter; to be held next weekend in the downstairs space at The Stissing Center for Arts and Culture.
Premiere Stages Celebrates 20 Years of New Plays with 2025 Season Photo
Premiere Stages Celebrates 20 Years of New Plays with 2025 Season
by Stephi Wild - May 9, 2025

Premiere Stages at Kean University has announced its 20th anniversary season, celebrating 20 years of new plays and New Jersey premieres. Learn more about the season here!
Review: North Shore Music Theatre's THE SHARK IS BROKEN Looks Inside Jaws Photo
Review: North Shore Music Theatre's THE SHARK IS BROKEN Looks Inside Jaws
by R. Scott Reedy - May 7, 2025

In the summer of 1975, moviegoers flocked to theaters to see “Jaws,” the story of the hunt for a man-eating great white shark attacking beachgoers at a summer vacation spot, making the picture the first summer blockbuster.
Review Roundup: What Did The Critics Make of GIANT's Move to The West End? Photo
Review Roundup: What Did The Critics Make of GIANT's Move to The West End?
by Aliya Al-Hassan - May 2, 2025

Following a sell-out run at the Royal Court, the play everyone is talking about is transferring to the West End. John Lithgow reprises his role as Roald Dahl in the West End transfer of Mark Rosenblatt's critically acclaimed play. Directed by Nicholas Hytner, The Royal Court's production of Giant is now open at the West End's Harold Pinter Theatre.
Review: GIANT, Starring John Lithgow Photo
Review: GIANT, Starring John Lithgow
by Cindy Marcolina - May 2, 2025

It’s 1983 and beloved author Roald Dahl is about to release The Witches. Snobbish and short-tempered, he’s currently under scrutiny for the antisemitic language he used in a book review that spoke against Israel’s murderous invasion of Lebanon. Collected in his childhood kitchen are Dahl, his wife-to-be Felicity, and his publisher Tom Maschler. They’re waiting for a sales executive sent by Dahl’s American publisher in order to compel him to retract and apologise. His piece didn’t go down well in the States and his numbers are now at stake. Directed by Nicholas Hytner, Mark Rosenblatt’s playwriting debut has rinsed most of the awards found in British theatre at this point. The playwright has received two nods at the Critics’ Circle Theatre Awards last month as well as an Olivier, while John Lithgow and Directed by Nicholas Hytner, Mark Rosenblatt’s playwriting debut has rinsed most of the awards found in British theatre at this point. The playwright received two nods at the Critics’ Circle Theatre Awards last month as well as an Olivier, while John Lithgow and Elliot Levey bagged the acting categories at the latter. It deserves every ounce of praise. Giant is timely. It’s sophisticated. It’s complex. It’s nuanced. It’s everything an excellent play should be. Each side of the argument is so passionate and eloquent, yet one, though just, reeks of hatred. At a stage when Kneecap have seen their US visa revoked after speaking out against the Palestinian genocide at Coachella and JK Rowling continues to spew transphobic hate, Giant’s West End transfer is utterly momentous.
Photos: John Lithgow and More in GIANT in London's West End Photo
Photos: John Lithgow and More in GIANT in London's West End
by Stephi Wild - May 1, 2025

Production photos have been released for the West End transfer of The Royal Court Theatre’s production of GIANT, starring John Lithgow, written by Mark Rosenblatt and directed by Nicholas Hytner. Check out photos here!
Brendan Gleeson Will Make West End Debut in THE WEIR Photo
Brendan Gleeson Will Make West End Debut in THE WEIR
by Stephi Wild - May 1, 2025

A new production of The Weir written, and directed for the first time, by Conor McPherson, starring Brendan Gleeson making his West End debut, will come to the Harold Pinter Theatre. Learn more here!
Simon Friend Entertainment Will Rebrand as Melting Pot Photo
Simon Friend Entertainment Will Rebrand as Melting Pot
by Stephi Wild - Apr 28, 2025

Now in its tenth year, Simon Friend Entertainment, a respected force in theatre production, has announced its official rebrand to Melting Pot, marking a new chapter in its journey.
MRS. DOUBTFIRE Will Launch UK and Ireland Tour in 2026 Photo
MRS. DOUBTFIRE Will Launch UK and Ireland Tour in 2026
by Stephi Wild - Apr 28, 2025

Beloved Scottish nanny Euphegenia Doubtfire will be packing up her suitcase and hitting the road next year as her West End and Broadway musical Mrs. Doubtfire tours the UK and Ireland for the first time.
Photos: John Lithgow and the Cast of GIANT in Rehearsal Photo
Photos: John Lithgow and the Cast of GIANT in Rehearsal
by Stephi Wild - Apr 23, 2025

Rehearsal images have been released for the West End transfer of The Royal Court Theatre’s production of GIANT, the award-winning debut play from Mark Rosenblatt, starring John Lithgow. Check out photos here!
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many shows has Harold Pinter written?

Harold Pinter has written 22 shows including The Pinter Plays (Playwright), Play/ The Lover (Playwright), The New Pinter Plays (Playwright), The Birthday Party (Playwright), Tea Party/ The Basement (Playwright), The Local Stigmatic (Playwright), Landscape/ Silence (Playwright), Old Times (Playwright), The Homecoming (Playwright), No Man's Land (Playwright), The Hothouse (Playwright), Old Times (Playwright), Other Places (Playwright), The Birthday Party (Playwright), Mountain Language (Playwright), Moonlight (Playwright), Ashes to Ashes (Playwright), Betrayal (Playwright), The Caretaker (Playwright), Celebration and The Room (Playwright), The Homecoming (Playwright), The Collection & A Kind of Alaska: Two Plays by Harold Pinter (Playwright).

What awards has Harold Pinter been nominated for?

Outstanding Revival (The Lortels) for The Collection & A Kind of Alaska, Lebedev Special Award (Evening Standard Awards), Outstanding Lifetime Achievement (The Lortels), The Society's Special Award (Olivier Awards), Best Revival of a Play or Comedy (Olivier Awards) for No Man's Land, Director of the Year (Olivier Awards) for Quartermaine's Terms, Best Foreign Play (New York Drama Critics Circle Awards) for Betrayal, Play of the Year (Olivier Awards) for Betrayal, Best New Foreign Play (Drama Desk Awards) for No Man's Land, Best Play (New York Drama Critics Circle Awards) for No Man's Land, Best Foreign Play (New York Drama Critics Circle Awards) for Old Times, Best Play (Tony Awards) for Old Times, Best Direction of a Play (Tony Awards) for The Man in the Glass Booth, Best Play (New York Drama Critics Circle Awards) for The Homecoming, Best Play (Tony Awards) for The Homecoming, Best Play (Tony Awards) for The Caretaker and Best Play (Evening Standard Awards) for The Caretaker.

What awards has Harold Pinter won?

Harold Pinter has received several prestigious awards throughout his career, including the Lebedev Special Award from the Evening Standard Awards and the Outstanding Lifetime Achievement Award from The Lortels. He was honored with The Society's Special Award at the Olivier Awards. For his play Betrayal, Pinter won Best Foreign Play at the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards and Play of the Year at the Olivier Awards. His play The Homecoming earned Best Play honors from both the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards and the Tony Awards. Additionally, The Caretaker won Best Play at the Evening Standard Awards.

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