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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


Tom Hiddleston And Hayley Atwell To Star In Jamie Lloyd's MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING On  Photo
Tom Hiddleston And Hayley Atwell To Star In Jamie Lloyd's MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING On Broadway
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 19, 2026

Tom Hiddleston and Hayley Atwell will bring Jamie Lloyd’s acclaimed production of MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING to Broadway for a limited 10-week run in fall 2026. The Shakespeare comedy previously played London’s Theatre Royal Drury Lane.
Go Live Theatre Will Host WEST END MEMORIES With Rosalyn Wilder and Patricia Hodge Photo
Go Live Theatre Will Host WEST END MEMORIES With Rosalyn Wilder and Patricia Hodge
by Stephi Wild - Feb 17, 2026

Go Live Theatre announced a special event West End Memories - Rosalyn Wilder in conversation with Patricia Hodge taking place on Monday 9 March 2026 at 7pm at The Theatre at the Hippodrome Casino.
SEX, LIES AND HAROLD PINTER is Coming to the Odyssey Theatre in a Visiting Production Photo
SEX, LIES AND HAROLD PINTER is Coming to the Odyssey Theatre in a Visiting Production
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 13, 2026

Veteran director Jack Heller will return to the Odyssey Theatre to helm a visiting production of Sex, Lies and Harold Pinter, an evening of two rarely staged Pinter one-acts—both darkly comic, both unmistakably unsettling.
INTO THE WOODS, EVITA, and More Nominated For 2026 Critics' Circle Theatre Awards; Fu Photo
INTO THE WOODS, EVITA, and More Nominated For 2026 Critics' Circle Theatre Awards; Full List
by Stephi Wild - Feb 12, 2026

The Critics' Circle has announced the nominations for the 2026 Theatre Awards, highlighting outstanding theatrical achievements.
Cast Set For RUTH at Wilton's Music Hall Photo
Cast Set For RUTH at Wilton's Music Hall
by Stephi Wild - Feb 10, 2026

Wilton's Music Hall announces casting for RUTH, a musical exploring the life of Ruth Ellis, set to open in March 2026, marking the centenary of her birth.
SUNNY AFTERNOON Comes to Milton Keynes Theatre Photo
SUNNY AFTERNOON Comes to Milton Keynes Theatre
by Stephi Wild - Feb 9, 2026

The multi Olivier award-winning hit musical Sunny Afternoon will return to Milton Keynes Theatre, bringing the music of The Kinks to the city from Tue 24 - Sat 28 Mar.
Olivier Awards Reveals Eligibility for 2026 Awards Photo
Olivier Awards Reveals Eligibility for 2026 Awards
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 30, 2026

The Olivier Awards has revealed eligibility for the 2026 Awards.  The 50th anniversary Olivier Awards will take place at the Royal Albert Hall, with highlights to be broadcast on BBC TV and radio.
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld January 27, 2026- Tony Awards Sets Date and Theatre and Mo Photo
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld January 27, 2026- Tony Awards Sets Date and Theatre and More
by - Jan 27, 2026

Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is January 27, 2026 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
Alice Hamilton Named Head of Artistic Development at Hampstead Theatre Photo
Alice Hamilton Named Head of Artistic Development at Hampstead Theatre
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 26, 2026

Hampstead Theatre has appointed Alice Hamilton as the new Head of Artistic Development and actor David Morrissey joins its board, enhancing the theatre's leadership.
Additional Cast Set for ROMEO & JULIET in the West End Starring Sadie Sink and Noah J Photo
Additional Cast Set for ROMEO & JULIET in the West End Starring Sadie Sink and Noah Jupe
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 26, 2026

Sadie Sink and Noah Jupe star in ROMEO & JULIET at Harold Pinter Theatre. Additional cast revealed for this exciting production.
Photos: First Look at Jodie Comer Ahead of PRIMA FACIE UK & Ireland Tour Photo
Photos: First Look at Jodie Comer Ahead of PRIMA FACIE UK & Ireland Tour
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 22, 2026

Jodie Comer will return to her acclaimed, Olivier and Tony Award winning performance in Suzie Miller’s multi award winning play, Prima Facie, this week. See first look photos!
Review Roundup: Billy Crudup and Denise Gough in HIGH NOON Photo
Review Roundup: Billy Crudup and Denise Gough in HIGH NOON
by Aliya Al-Hassan - Jan 12, 2026

Set in the American West of the 1800s, High Noon rides on themes as relevant now as they were then. Courage vs. Cowardice. Justice vs. Peace. Duty vs. Desire. And at its heart, is the bond between Will Kane and Amy Fowler – a love tested by impossible choices as the clock ticks down to the return of deadly outlaw Frank Miller on the high noon train. What did the critics think?
Review: HIGH NOON starring Billy Crudup, Harold Pinter Theatre Photo
Review: HIGH NOON starring Billy Crudup, Harold Pinter Theatre
by Gary Naylor - Jan 10, 2026

Denise Gough and Rosa Salazar also excel in unexpectedly deeply moving stage version of the much-loved movie
Photos: Billy Crudup, Denise Gough, and More in HIGH NOON Photo
Photos: Billy Crudup, Denise Gough, and More in HIGH NOON
by Stephi Wild - Dec 23, 2025

All new production photos have been released for the World Premiere of the play HIGH NOON, starring Billy Crudup and Denise Gough. Check out the photos here of the show in London's West End!
Janie Dee and Stefan Bednarczyk Will Perform COWARD & FRIENDS For One Night Only at T Photo
Janie Dee and Stefan Bednarczyk Will Perform COWARD & FRIENDS For One Night Only at The Menier Chocolate Factory
by Stephi Wild - Dec 22, 2025

With their production of Noël Coward's Fallen Angels currently running, the Menier Chocolate Factory have announced that Janie Dee will be staging a one-night-only performance of Coward & Friends with Stefan Bednarczyk.
HORIZONS VOL #3 Comes to Crazy Coqs in January Photo
HORIZONS VOL #3 Comes to Crazy Coqs in January
by Stephi Wild - Dec 18, 2025

HORIZONS VOL #3, the third annual concert series dedicated to the future of musical theatre, will be performed at Crazy Coqs at Brasserie Zedel on Monday 19 January.
Antonia Franceschi Appointed Interim AD At New York Theatre Ballet Photo
Antonia Franceschi Appointed Interim AD At New York Theatre Ballet
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 15, 2025

Antonia Franceschi has been appointed Interim Artistic Director at New York Theatre Ballet. Franceschi's appointment fills the role of former artistic director Steven Melendez who stepped down in November 2025.
Martha Loader Awarded the 2025 George Devine Award For THE TOWN Photo
Martha Loader Awarded the 2025 George Devine Award For THE TOWN
by Stephi Wild - Dec 11, 2025

Ipswich playwright Martha Loader has been awarded the 2025 George Devine Award for her play The Town, which confronts how an act of societal transgression impacts the lives of those orbiting it.
Photos: Billy Crudup, Denise Gough, and More in Rehearsal For HIGH NOON Photo
Photos: Billy Crudup, Denise Gough, and More in Rehearsal For HIGH NOON
by Stephi Wild - Dec 9, 2025

Rehearsal photos have been released for the World Premiere of the play HIGH NOON, starring Emmy and Tony Award-winner Billy Crudup as Will Kane and Olivier Award-winner Denise Gough as Amy Fowler.
Sarah Jessica Parker-Produced Ballet Doc FRONT ROW Coming to Marquee TV Photo
Sarah Jessica Parker-Produced Ballet Doc FRONT ROW Coming to Marquee TV
by Josh Sharpe - Dec 2, 2025

Next week, Marquee TV will release a documentary centering on Ukrainian ballet dancers from executive producer Sarah Jessica Parker. Front Row, directed by Miriam Guttmann, will debut on the streamer on Monday, December 8.
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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. Pinter won Best Foreign Play at the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards for Betrayal, which also earned Play of the Year at the Olivier Awards. Additionally, he received Best Play at the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards and the Tony Awards for The Homecoming. His play The Caretaker won Best Play at the Evening Standard Awards.

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