Harold Pinter Headshot

Harold Pinter

Birth Place: ENGLAND

Get Harold Pinter Email Alerts

Be the first to get news, photos, videos & more.

Harold Pinter 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.

Harold Pinter Photos

Harold Pinter STAGE CREDITS

Harold Pinter Productions

 
[Broadway, 2015]
Playwright
 
[Broadway, 1977]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1976]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1968]
Director

Writing

Playwright
Playwright
Playwright
Playwright
Playwright
Playwright
Playwright
Playwright
Playwright
Playwright
Playwright
Playwright
Playwright
Playwright
Playwright
Playwright
Playwright
Playwright

Harold Pinter Movies

[1963]The Servant People in restaurant: Society Man

[1963]The Guest writer

[1964]The Pumpkin Eater writer

[1966]The Quiller Memorandum writer

[1966]Modesty Blaise writer

[1967]Accident Bell - TV Producer

[1968]The Birthday Party writer

[1970]The Rise and Rise of Michael Rimmer Steven Hench

[1971]The Go-Between writer

[1973]The Homecoming writer

[1976]The Last Tycoon writer

[1981]The French Lieutenant's Woman writer

[1983]Betrayal writer

[1985]Turtle Diary Man in Bookshop

[1989]Reunion writer

[1990]The Comfort of Strangers writer

[1990]The Handmaid's Tale writer

[1993]The Trial writer

[1997]Mojo Sam Ross

[1999]Mansfield Park Sir Thom Bertram

[2001]The Tailor of Panama Uncle Benny

[2007]Sleuth Man on T.V.

Harold Pinter Videos

Harold Pinter News


THE FABULIST FOX SISTER to Make New York Debut & Reveals UK Tour Dates

Don't miss out on London's acclaimed musical, THE FABULIST FOX SISTER, as it lands in NEW YORK for its highly anticipated debut! Get ready for a mesmerizing performance as the show takes you on a remarkable journey. Plus, find out the exciting dates for the UK tour.

MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG to Offer $39 Digital Lottery Tickets

A limited number of $39 tickets will be available for performances of MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG via digital lottery. Learn how to purchase tickets!

REVIEW: Hilary Bell's SUMMER OF HAROLD Is A Captivating Trio Of Short Plays That Contemplate The Power Of Seemingly Simple Objects

Director Francesca Savige delivers three distinct performances for Hillary Bell’s SUMMER OF HAROLD, ENFANT TERRIBLE, and LOOKOUT, collectively billed under the first work.

BETRAYAL Comes to Wellfellt Harbor Actors Theater

Wellfleet Harbor Actors Theater (WHAT) and Harbor Stage Company present Betrayal, by Harold Pinter, directed by Robert Kropf. Learn more about the production and find out how to gett ickets here!

Review Roundup: INFINITE LIFE World Premiere Opens At Atlantic Theater Company

Atlantic Theater Company is presenting the world premiere production of Infinite Life, written by Pulitzer Prize winner Annie Baker (Body Awareness) and directed by Obie Award winner James Macdonald (Cloud Nine). Read the reviews. 

Up on the Marquee: MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG

Check out new photos of the Broadway marquee for Merrily We Roll Along at the Hudson Theatre!

Paul Chahidi and Paul Ready Join TWELFTH NIGHT: FOR ONE NIGHT ONLY at Shakespeare's Globe

Shakespeare’s Globe has announced further casting for Twelfth Night: For One Night Only. Learn more about the production and find out who is starring in it here!

THE CARETAKER Comes to The Edge of the Universe Theater

The Edge of the Universe Theater follows up its 2022 Capital Fringe production of Caryl Churchill’s A Number with the work of another British playwright, Nobel Prize winner Harold Pinter’s THE CARETAKER.

Katonah Classic Stage Partners with L.A. Theatre Company for Harold Pinter Play Festival Coming This Fall

Katonah Classic Stage (KCS), Westchester County's professional theatre company dedicated to classic plays, will give audience's a unique peak at Harold Pinter's distinguished career by mounting 3 of his plays this Fall: Betrayal, The Dumb Waiter, and Applicant.

Photos: Inside Rehearsal For the Broadway Revival of MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG

All new rehearsal photos have been released for the upcoming Broadway revival of MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG, which begins performances at Broadway’s Hudson Theatre (141 West 44th Street) on Tuesday, September 19.

Exclusive: Broadway's Best Share Advice for Young Performers with Big Dreams

Seeing a Broadway show can be just the beginning of a lifelong love affair with the theatre. Stars from the participating Kids’ Night on Broadway shows are sharing words of advice for young performers with dreams of being on Broadway some day.

Dujonna Gift and Sam Tutty Will Lead TWO STRANGERS (CARRY A CAKE ACROSS NEW YORK) at the Kiln Theatre

Kiln Theatre has announced casting for new musical Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York) - Dujonna Gift (Hamilton) and Sam Tutty (Dear Evan Hansen – Olivier Award for Best Actor in a Musical).

New York Debut of THE FABULIST FOX SISTER is Coming to The Green Room 42

Get ready for the highly anticipated New York debut of THE FABULIST FOX SISTER at The Green Room 42. Don't miss this limited engagement performance! Find out all the details and secure your tickets now.

Nathaniel Parker, Simon Chandler and Gyuri Sarossy Lead Cast for UK Première of OPERATION EPSILON

Full casting is announced today for Alan Brody's award-winning play Operation Epsilon at Southwark Playhouse Elephant, which opens on 20 September, with previews from 15 September and runs until 21 October 2023.

SUMMER OF HAROLD Makes Its World Debut At Ensemble Theatre

Ensemble Theatre will present the world premiere of Summer of Harold, a trio of cracking comedic plays about adventure, obsession and hope from award-winning playwright Hilary Bell, on from 8 September to 14 October 2023. 

James Corrigan, Doon Mackichan, and Sara Powell Join Kristin Scott Thomas and Lily James in LYONESSE at the Harold Pinter Theatre

Full casting has been announced for the world premiere of Lyonesse by Penelope Skinner, directed by Ian Rickson at the Harold Pinter Theatre from 17 October – 23 December 2023.

Interview: Susan Priver On Returning To Harold Pinter's A SLIGHT ACHE After 17 Years

Seventeen years ago, Susan Priver starred as Flora opposite Henry Olek as Edward with Shelly Kurtz as the match seller in Harold Pinter’s A Slight Ache, a tragicomedy of manners that takes a funny, ominous, and unsettling journey into the human psyche. All three actors will reprise their roles in a visiting production of Pinter’s play, directed by Jack Heller at the Odyssey Theatre in West L.A. from August 26 through October 1. I decided to speak with Susan about her experience with both productions of Pinter’s play.

CONSTELLATIONS Comes to Wild Project

Nick Payne's award-winning show will play for a limited-engagement of two nights only at the renowned theatre in East Village.

Interview: 'It's In Our Bones': Amy Rosenthal, Ryan Craig and Alexis Zegerman on Jewishness, Humanity and Chekhov in THE ARC: A TRILOGY OF NEW JEWISH PLAYS

Emanate production are bringing The Arc: A Trilogy of New Jewish Plays, three plays by writers Amy Rosenthal, Alexis Zegerman, and Ryan Craig, to Soho Theatre. Following its inaugural production at the Kiln Theatre last year, Emanate have forged a space for Jewish voices to shine a spotlight on and celebrate modern Jewish stories in theatre.

Harold Pinter FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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).

Harold Pinter has been nominated for several awards throughout his career. Some of the notable nominations include Outstanding Revival at The Lortels for The Collection & A Kind of Alaska, Lebedev Special Award at the Evening Standard Awards, Outstanding Lifetime Achievement at The Lortels, The Society's Special Award at the Olivier Awards, Best Revival of a Play or Comedy at the Olivier Awards for No Man's Land, Director of the Year at the Olivier Awards for Quartermaine's Terms, Best Foreign Play at the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards for Betrayal, Play of the Year at the Olivier Awards for Betrayal, Best New Foreign Play at the Drama Desk Awards for No Man's Land, Best Play at the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards for No Man's Land, Best Foreign Play at the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards for Old Times, Best Play at the Tony Awards for Old Times, Best Direction of a Play at the Tony Awards for The Man in the Glass Booth, Best Play at the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards for The Homecoming, Best Play at the Tony Awards for The Homecoming, Best Play at the Tony Awards for The Caretaker, and Best Play at the Evening Standard Awards for The Caretaker.

Harold Pinter has won several awards throughout his career. These include the Lebedev Special Award at the Evening Standard Awards, the Outstanding Lifetime Achievement award at The Lortels, and The Society's Special Award at the Olivier Awards. He also won the Best Foreign Play award at the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards for his play "Betrayal," and the Play of the Year award at the Olivier Awards for the same play. Pinter also received the Best Play award at the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards for "The Homecoming," the Best Play award at the Tony Awards for "The Homecoming," and the Best Play award at the Evening Standard Awards for "The Caretaker."

Get Harold Pinter Email Alerts

Be the first to get news, photos, videos & more.

Videos


TICKET CENTRAL

Recommended For You