Harold Pinter
Birth Place: ENGLAND
Latest News on Harold Pinter:
Harold Pinter's BETRAYAL Begins Performances At Goodman Theatre In February (Jan 16, 2025)
Emma Kingston and Zizi Strallen Will Join West End Cast of WICKED (Jan 16, 2025)
Interview: Nick Freed Announces Plans for Glass Elevator's Inaugural Season in 2025 (Jan 15, 2025)
Harold Pinter's BETRAYAL Begins Performances At Goodman Theatre In February (Jan 16, 2025)
Emma Kingston and Zizi Strallen Will Join West End Cast of WICKED (Jan 16, 2025)
Interview: Nick Freed Announces Plans for Glass Elevator's Inaugural Season in 2025 (Jan 15, 2025)
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
Opening Night Theatre Marquee for ''Betrayal'' at the Barrymore Theatre on October 27, 2013 in New York City. Harold Pinter''s landmark play Betrayal returns to Broadway starring Daniel Craig, Rachel Weisz and Rafe Spall. Mike Nichols directs the drama,
Date:
01/05/2014
From: Photo Flash: A Fond Farewell to Broadway's 700 SUNDAYS, ANNIE, BETRAYAL, FIRST DATE & SPIDER-MAN
SIR MICHAEL GAMBON as Hirst and SIR DEREK JACOBI as Spooner in Harold Pinter’s No Man’s Land (first performed at the NT in 1975 with Sir John Gielgud and Sir Ralph Richardson)
Date:
11/02/2013
From: Photo Coverage: NT50 - The National Theatre's Birthday Celebrations, With Dench, Mirren, And More!
Productions
Writing
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Movies
The Servant
[ 1963 ] People in restaurant: Society Man
[ 1963 ] People in restaurant: Society Man
The Guest
[ 1963 ] writer
[ 1963 ] writer
The Pumpkin Eater
[ 1964 ] writer
[ 1964 ] writer
The Quiller Memorandum
[ 1966 ] writer
[ 1966 ] writer
Modesty Blaise
[ 1966 ] writer
[ 1966 ] writer
Accident
[ 1967 ] Bell - TV Producer
[ 1967 ] Bell - TV Producer
The Birthday Party
[ 1968 ] writer
[ 1968 ] writer
The Rise and Rise of Michael Rimmer
[ 1970 ] Steven Hench
[ 1970 ] Steven Hench
The Go-Between
[ 1971 ] writer
[ 1971 ] writer
The Homecoming
[ 1973 ] writer
[ 1973 ] writer
The Last Tycoon
[ 1976 ] writer
[ 1976 ] writer
The French Lieutenant's Woman
[ 1981 ] writer
[ 1981 ] writer
Betrayal
[ 1983 ] writer
[ 1983 ] writer
Turtle Diary
[ 1985 ] Man in Bookshop
[ 1985 ] Man in Bookshop
Reunion
[ 1989 ] writer
[ 1989 ] writer
The Comfort of Strangers
[ 1990 ] writer
[ 1990 ] writer
The Handmaid's Tale
[ 1990 ] writer
[ 1990 ] writer
The Trial
[ 1993 ] writer
[ 1993 ] writer
Mojo
[ 1997 ] Sam Ross
[ 1997 ] Sam Ross
Mansfield Park
[ 1999 ] Sir Thom Bertram
[ 1999 ] Sir Thom Bertram
The Tailor of Panama
[ 2001 ] Uncle Benny
[ 2001 ] Uncle Benny
Sleuth
[ 2007 ] Man on T.V.
[ 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
Exclusive Video: Watch a Scene From THE HILLS OF CALIFORNIA on Broadway
by Chloe Rabinowitz - 11/01/2024
Video: Zheng Xi Yong and Mia Kobayashi Perform 'Catch A Shooting Star' From YOUR LIE IN APRIL - THE MUSICAL
by Stephi Wild - 06/24/2024
Video: Radcliffe, Groff, and Mendez Talk MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG on CBS Sunday Morning
by Blair Ingenthron - 10/01/2023
Video: First Look at Jeff Perry and Mark Ulrich in NO MAN'S LAND at Steppenwolf Theatre
by Chloe Rabinowitz - 07/26/2023
Video: Full Cast and Creative Team Announced for NEW YORK, NEW YORK; Plus Watch a New Trailer!
by Nicole Rosky - 02/01/2023
Video: Rehearsals Begin For LEMONS LEMONS LEMONS LEMONS LEMONS in London
by Stephi Wild - 12/14/2022
Video: Andrew Lloyd Webber and Jim Steinman's WHISTLE DOWN THE WIND Returns at The Watermill Theatre
by A.A. Cristi - 07/15/2022
VIDEO: Go Behind the Scenes of Hampstead Theatre's THE DUMB WAITER in New Trailer
by Stephi Wild - 11/27/2020
VIDEO: Watch the Trailer For UNCLE VANYA, the Filmed Production Coming to Cinemas This Month
by Stephi Wild - 10/07/2020
TV: Tom Hiddleston, Zawe Ashton & Charlie Cox Get Ready for Their Broadway Debuts in BETRAYAL!
by Nicole Rosky - 08/09/2019
VIDEO: On This Day, March 5- Larry David's FISH IN THE DARK Opens On Broadway
by A.A. Cristi - 03/05/2019
News
Harold Pinter's BETRAYAL Begins Performances At Goodman Theatre In February
Goodman Theatre will present Artistic Director Susan V. Booth's new production of Harold Pinter's Nobel Prize-winning drama, Betrayal. Starring Oscar, Emmy and Golden Globe Award winner Helen Hunt, Tony Award winner Robert Sean Leonard, and Tony Award nominee and Outer Critics Circle Award winner Ian Barford.
Goodman Theatre will present Artistic Director Susan V. Booth's new production of Harold Pinter's Nobel Prize-winning drama, Betrayal. Starring Oscar, Emmy and Golden Globe Award winner Helen Hunt, Tony Award winner Robert Sean Leonard, and Tony Award nominee and Outer Critics Circle Award winner Ian Barford.
Emma Kingston and Zizi Strallen Will Join West End Cast of WICKED
WICKED has announced its full new London cast who are set to begin performances at London's Apollo Victoria Theatre in March. Learn more about the full cast here!
WICKED has announced its full new London cast who are set to begin performances at London's Apollo Victoria Theatre in March. Learn more about the full cast here!
Interview: Nick Freed Announces Plans for Glass Elevator's Inaugural Season in 2025
Nick Freed is joining artistic forces with Kay Ailee Bush, Summer Baer, and Kayla Lindsay to create Glass Elevator’s first full season. Freed shared that there are richly gifted professionals in St. Louis who are eager to experiment and create cool new things. Glass Elevator will open its season in July with a new play development series called their “Ground Floor Series” that will feature a play that is 90-minutes or less. They will begin accepting script submissions in February from emerging St. Louis playwrights. Following their summer production, Glass Elevator will stage VAMPIRE DATING SHOW in the fall, a devised production that is based around a captivating vampire mistress in a macabre dating show parody set in a surreal gothic style studio.
Nick Freed is joining artistic forces with Kay Ailee Bush, Summer Baer, and Kayla Lindsay to create Glass Elevator’s first full season. Freed shared that there are richly gifted professionals in St. Louis who are eager to experiment and create cool new things. Glass Elevator will open its season in July with a new play development series called their “Ground Floor Series” that will feature a play that is 90-minutes or less. They will begin accepting script submissions in February from emerging St. Louis playwrights. Following their summer production, Glass Elevator will stage VAMPIRE DATING SHOW in the fall, a devised production that is based around a captivating vampire mistress in a macabre dating show parody set in a surreal gothic style studio.
PRIMA FACIE, MACBETH, And More National Theatre Live Screenings Announced At Shakespeare Theatre Company
Shakespeare Theatre Company has announced National Theatre Live screenings coming to Harman Hall this February. Kicking off the month of screenings is The Donmar Warehouse production of Macbeth: David Tennant & Cush Jumbo.
Shakespeare Theatre Company has announced National Theatre Live screenings coming to Harman Hall this February. Kicking off the month of screenings is The Donmar Warehouse production of Macbeth: David Tennant & Cush Jumbo.
Cast Set For RSC's EDWARD II
Casting has been announced for the RSC’s forthcoming production of Christopher Marlowe’s rarely performed tragedy, Edward II, which runs in the Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon.
Casting has been announced for the RSC’s forthcoming production of Christopher Marlowe’s rarely performed tragedy, Edward II, which runs in the Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon.
Mindi Dickstein and Carmel Dean's New Musical MAIDEN VOYAGE Will Have Workshop at The Kiln Theatre
New Works Provincetown and Shared Experience will present a workshop in London of the new musical Maiden Voyage with book and lyrics by Mindi Dickstein and Carmel Dean.
New Works Provincetown and Shared Experience will present a workshop in London of the new musical Maiden Voyage with book and lyrics by Mindi Dickstein and Carmel Dean.
Full Cast Set For MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING Starring Tom Hiddleston and Hayley Atwell
The Jamie Lloyd Company has announced the full cast for William Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing at Theatre Royal Drury Lane. Learn more about the upcoming performance here!
The Jamie Lloyd Company has announced the full cast for William Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing at Theatre Royal Drury Lane. Learn more about the upcoming performance here!
Steve Forrest’s Exhibition 'What We See is Not Always Black and White' Comes to Warrington
A photographer who has worked extensively all over the world for more than 30 years will be bringing some of his most powerful and thought-provoking images to Warrington Museum.
A photographer who has worked extensively all over the world for more than 30 years will be bringing some of his most powerful and thought-provoking images to Warrington Museum.
Full Cast Set For BACKSTROKE At The Donmar Warehouse
The full company has been set for the world premiere of Anna Mackmin's new play, Backstroke – joining the previously announced Tamsin Greig and Celia Imrie are Lucy Briers, Anita Reynolds and Georgina Rich.
The full company has been set for the world premiere of Anna Mackmin's new play, Backstroke – joining the previously announced Tamsin Greig and Celia Imrie are Lucy Briers, Anita Reynolds and Georgina Rich.
Critics' Choice: Gary Naylor's Best Theatre of 2024
There's praise for plays old and new and musicals, well, mainly old
There's praise for plays old and new and musicals, well, mainly old
Review: SLAVA'S SNOWSHOW, Harold Pinter Theatre
For a family living in London, there is a diverse catalogue of Christmas shows ripe for attendance. With current ticket prices, picking the right show is crucial for both all-round enjoyment and the bank account. Slava’s Snow Show is back in London at the Harold Pinter Theatre, and if you’re looking for ridiculous fun, it’s a good choice. If you’re looking for something more substantial, however, stick with a panto.
For a family living in London, there is a diverse catalogue of Christmas shows ripe for attendance. With current ticket prices, picking the right show is crucial for both all-round enjoyment and the bank account. Slava’s Snow Show is back in London at the Harold Pinter Theatre, and if you’re looking for ridiculous fun, it’s a good choice. If you’re looking for something more substantial, however, stick with a panto.
TRUTH TO POWER CAFE Comes to Theatre Works
The Melbourne premiere of Jeremy Goldstein’s Truth to Power Café will be presented in February as part of Midsumma Festival at Theatre Works. Melbourne participants of all ages, experiences and backgrounds will speak their truth to power.
The Melbourne premiere of Jeremy Goldstein’s Truth to Power Café will be presented in February as part of Midsumma Festival at Theatre Works. Melbourne participants of all ages, experiences and backgrounds will speak their truth to power.
THE HILLS OF CALIFORNIA Concludes Broadway Run Today
Broadway says goodbye to The Hills of California, which concludes its limited run at the Broadhurst Theatre following 18 previews and 97 regular performances. The venue will soon be home to Boop! The Betty Boop Musical.
Broadway says goodbye to The Hills of California, which concludes its limited run at the Broadhurst Theatre following 18 previews and 97 regular performances. The venue will soon be home to Boop! The Betty Boop Musical.
Photos: Brie Larson, Stockard Channing, and More in ELEKTRA
All new photos have been released from the rehearsal room of ELEKTRA, the UK Premiere production of the translation by award winning poet Anne Carson of Sophokles’s play. Check out the photos here!
All new photos have been released from the rehearsal room of ELEKTRA, the UK Premiere production of the translation by award winning poet Anne Carson of Sophokles’s play. Check out the photos here!
David Tennant Forced Off-Stage Mid-Show for Second Time as MACBETH Castmate Falls Ill
According to the Standard, David Tennant was forced off stage for the second time this week, after a castmate fell ill and an understudy had to take her place during Friday's penultimate performance of Macbeth, starring Tennant and Cush Jumbo.
According to the Standard, David Tennant was forced off stage for the second time this week, after a castmate fell ill and an understudy had to take her place during Friday's penultimate performance of Macbeth, starring Tennant and Cush Jumbo.
David Tennant’s MACBETH Interrupted by Disruptive Audience Member in London
A West End performance of Macbeth, starring David Tennant and Cush Jumbo, faced a 15-minute delay after an audience member disrupted the show at the Harold Pinter Theatre.
A West End performance of Macbeth, starring David Tennant and Cush Jumbo, faced a 15-minute delay after an audience member disrupted the show at the Harold Pinter Theatre.
ALFRED HITCHCOCK PRESENTS - THE MUSICAL Cast Announced At Theatre Royal Bath
Theatre Royal Bath Productions in association with Universal Theatrical Group have announced casting for the World Premiere of brand-new musical Alfred Hitchcock Presents – The Musical at Theatre Royal Bath from 22 March to 12 April 2025.
Theatre Royal Bath Productions in association with Universal Theatrical Group have announced casting for the World Premiere of brand-new musical Alfred Hitchcock Presents – The Musical at Theatre Royal Bath from 22 March to 12 April 2025.
John Lithgow-Led GIANT Tickets Go on Sale Today
The West End transfer of the Royal Court Theatre’s production of GIANT starring John Lithgow will go on sale at 12pm on 9 December. Learn more about how to get tickets to the upcoming production here!
The West End transfer of the Royal Court Theatre’s production of GIANT starring John Lithgow will go on sale at 12pm on 9 December. Learn more about how to get tickets to the upcoming production here!
Jodie Comer-Led PRIMA FACIE Coming to National Theatre at Home Library
Theatrical streaming service National Theatre at Home has announced the arrival of the Jodie Comer-led Prima Facie to the platform, available to stream beginning December 12, for a limited time.
Theatrical streaming service National Theatre at Home has announced the arrival of the Jodie Comer-led Prima Facie to the platform, available to stream beginning December 12, for a limited time.
Interview: Actor Producer Charlie MacGechan of Run At It SHOUTING
An Actor / Producer / Executive talks about how he got started, what he's done and what the future might hold.
An Actor / Producer / Executive talks about how he got started, what he's done and what the future might hold.
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. These include the Lebedev Special Award from the Evening Standard Awards, the Outstanding Lifetime Achievement Award from The Lortels, and The Society's Special Award from the Olivier Awards. He won Best Foreign Play at the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards for Betrayal, as well as Play of the Year at the Olivier Awards for the same work. Additionally, he received Best Play at the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards for The Homecoming and Best Play at the Tony Awards for The Homecoming. He also won Best Play at the Evening Standard Awards for The Caretaker.
Videos