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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 ]

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

More Videos

News


Hot Tickets of the Week: Discount for SIX and More Photo
Hot Tickets of the Week: Discount for SIX and More
by Team BWW - Feb 24, 2025

​Ready to see your next Broadway show? Of course you are! Let BroadwayWorld and Ticketmaster be your guide to which plays and musicals are the most buzz-worthy this week, starting February 24, 2025. ​
GLENGARRY GLEN ROSS Extends Broadway Run Photo
GLENGARRY GLEN ROSS Extends Broadway Run
by Stephi Wild - Feb 19, 2025

Glengarry Glen Ross has extended its Broadway run ahead of its first preview next month! The production will begin previews on Monday, March 10. Learn more here!
Video: Learn How Nathan Lane Got Bill Burr Cast in GLENGARRY GLEN ROSS Photo
Video: Learn How Nathan Lane Got Bill Burr Cast in GLENGARRY GLEN ROSS
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 17, 2025

Nathan Lane has revealed how he helped get Bill Burr cast in the upcoming Broadway revival of Glengarry Glen Ross, which begins performances at The Palace Theatre in March, featuring a star-studded cast for a limited 12-week run! 
Video: In Rehearsals with the Cast of GLENGARRY GLEN ROSS Photo
Video: In Rehearsals with the Cast of GLENGARRY GLEN ROSS
by Nicole Rosky - Feb 15, 2025

Mamet's back in 2025. The new Broadway production of the Pulitzer Prize-winning play Glengarry Glen Ross directed by Tony & Olivier Award-winner Patrick Marber will begin previews on Monday, March 10 at The Palace Theatre.
Up on the Marquee: GLENGARRY GLEN ROSS Photo
Up on the Marquee: GLENGARRY GLEN ROSS
by Jennifer Broski - Feb 13, 2025

The new Broadway production of the Pulitzer Prize-winning play Glengarry Glen Ross directed by Tony & Olivier Award-winner Patrick Marber will begin previews on Monday, March 10 at The Palace Theatre. Check out photso of the new marquee!
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld February 12, 2025 Photo
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld February 12, 2025
by - Feb 12, 2025

Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is February 12, 2025 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
La Mirada Theatre For The Performing Arts To Present I'M NOT A COMEDIAN… I'M LENNY Photo
La Mirada Theatre For The Performing Arts To Present I'M NOT A COMEDIAN… I'M LENNY BRUCE This March
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 11, 2025

Critically acclaimed actor Ronnie Marmo, with the blessings of Kitty Bruce (daughter of the late Lenny Bruce), along with the Lenny Bruce Foundation, will present I'M NOT A COMEDIAN… I'M LENNY BRUCE, directed by Joe Mantegna.
Photos: Odenkirk, Culkin, Burr, and GLENGARRY GLEN ROSS Cast Meet the Press Photo
Photos: Odenkirk, Culkin, Burr, and GLENGARRY GLEN ROSS Cast Meet the Press
by Bruce Glikas - Feb 11, 2025

The new Broadway production of David Mamet's Pulitzer Prize-winning play Glengarry Glen Ross directed by Tony & Olivier Award-winner Patrick Marber. See photos of the cast meeting the press here! 
An In-Depth History of the Orpheum Theatre Photo
An In-Depth History of the Orpheum Theatre
by Jennifer Ashley Tepper - Feb 9, 2025

Some of the shows that the Orpheum has been best known for are Stomp, which ran there for an astounding 29 years, from 1994 to 2023, and the original production of Little Shop of Horrors which spent over five years at the theater from 1982 to 1987. 
Video: Kieran Culkin Talks GLENGARRY GLEN ROSS Rehearsals, Oscar Nom on THE TONIGHT S Photo
Video: Kieran Culkin Talks GLENGARRY GLEN ROSS Rehearsals, Oscar Nom on THE TONIGHT SHOW
by Josh Sharpe - Feb 7, 2025

On Thursday, Kieran Culkin visited The Tonight Show to discuss returning to Broadway in the new production of Glengarry Glen Ross, his Oscar nomination for A Real Pain, and more. Watch the interview now!
Patti LuPone A LIFE IN NOTES Rescheduled At NJPAC Photo
Patti LuPone A LIFE IN NOTES Rescheduled At NJPAC
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 7, 2025

Tony Award winner Patti LuPone will be performing her latest show, 'A Life In Notes,' at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at 3:00 p.m.
Review: JOB at Signature Theatre Photo
Review: JOB at Signature Theatre
by David Friscic - Feb 6, 2025

A psychological game of “cat and mouse” between a therapist and a client carries the audience through the tensions wrought by technology run amok in the multi-layered and compelling play Job. Playwright Max Wolf Friedlich has written a play that is being presented in its first regional theatre production at Signature Theatre.
HOUSE OF GAMES and More Set For Hampstead Theatre's Spring 2025 Season Photo
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 Photo
Kieran Culkin Gets GLENGARRY GLEN ROSS Schedule Adjusted For Family Time
by Michael Major - Jan 27, 2025

Kieran Culkin adjusted the performance schedule of David Mamet's 'Glengarry Glen Ross' to spend more time with his family. Learn about the new Sunday dark schedule and the Broadway production's star-studded cast, featuring Bob Odenkirk, Bill Burr, and more, at The Palace Theatre. Opening March 31 for a 12-week run.
Amir Darvish Will Direct GLENGARRY GLEN ROSS at Empire Stage Photo
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 Photo
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 Photo
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 Photo
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 Photo
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 Photo
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.
More News

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 several prestigious awards throughout his career. He won Best Play at the Obie Awards for Cryptogram. He also earned the title of Best American Play at the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards for Glengarry Glen Ross, which won him the Pulitzer Prize for Drama. Additionally, Glengarry Glen Ross was awarded Play of the Year at the Olivier Awards. Mamet received the Best American Play recognition again from the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards for American Buffalo. He also won the Best New American Play at the Obie Awards for both American Buffalo and Sexual Perversity in Chicago.

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