Harold Pinter
Birth Place: ENGLAND
Latest News on Harold Pinter:
Full Cast Set For RSC's TITUS ANDRONICUS With Simon Russell Beale (Mar 13, 2025)
Veteran Theatrical Press Agent David Rothenberg To Release New Book In April (Mar 13, 2025)
Leading Theatrical Producers Royo Recruit New Producer Nick Morrison (Mar 13, 2025)
Full Cast Set For RSC's TITUS ANDRONICUS With Simon Russell Beale (Mar 13, 2025)
Veteran Theatrical Press Agent David Rothenberg To Release New Book In April (Mar 13, 2025)
Leading Theatrical Producers Royo Recruit New Producer Nick Morrison (Mar 13, 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
Playwright
Playwright
Playwright
Playwright
Playwright
Playwright
Playwright
Playwright
Playwright
Playwright
Playwright
Playwright
Playwright
Playwright
Playwright
Playwright
Playwright
Playwright
Playwright
Playwright
Playwright
Playwright
Playwright
Playwright
Playwright
Playwright
Playwright
Playwright
Playwright
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 - 2024-11-01 15:00:35
Video: Zheng Xi Yong and Mia Kobayashi Perform 'Catch A Shooting Star' From YOUR LIE IN APRIL - THE MUSICAL
by Stephi Wild - 2024-06-24 05:11:28
Video: MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG Celebrates Surprise Cast Album Release
by A.A. Cristi - 2023-11-14 23:50:01
Video: Radcliffe, Groff, and Mendez Talk MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG on CBS Sunday Morning
by Blair Ingenthron - 2023-10-01 10:35:55
Video: First Look at Jeff Perry and Mark Ulrich in NO MAN'S LAND at Steppenwolf Theatre
by Chloe Rabinowitz - 2023-07-26 16:47:55
Video: Full Cast and Creative Team Announced for NEW YORK, NEW YORK; Plus Watch a New Trailer!
by Nicole Rosky - 2023-02-01 12:00:20
Photos/Video: Inside Rehearsal For LEMONS LEMONS LEMONS LEMONS LEMONS
by Stephi Wild - 2023-01-05 05:51:14
Video: Rehearsals Begin For LEMONS LEMONS LEMONS LEMONS LEMONS in London
by Stephi Wild - 2022-12-14 08:04:24
Video: Andrew Lloyd Webber and Jim Steinman's WHISTLE DOWN THE WIND Returns at The Watermill Theatre
by A.A. Cristi - 2022-07-15 16:11:35
VIDEO: Go Behind the Scenes of Hampstead Theatre's THE DUMB WAITER in New Trailer
by Stephi Wild - 2020-11-27 09:14:53
VIDEO: Watch the Trailer For UNCLE VANYA, the Filmed Production Coming to Cinemas This Month
by Stephi Wild - 2020-10-07 06:42:11
VIDEO: Watch the Trailer for UNCLE VANYA, Coming to Theaters Oct. 27
by Sarah Leiber - 2020-10-06 12:39:16
Broadway Rewind: Feel the Transylvania Mania with YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN!
by Nicole Rosky - 2020-03-31 16:31:00
VIDEO: Tom Hiddleston Talks Crying on Command for BETRAYAL
by Kaitlin Milligan - 2019-11-26 08:30:57
VIDEO: Tom Hiddleston Plays 'Big Booty' to Warm Up for BETRAYAL
by Kaitlin Milligan - 2019-09-17 09:09:46
TV: Tom Hiddleston, Zawe Ashton & Charlie Cox Get Ready for Their Broadway Debuts in BETRAYAL!
by Nicole Rosky - 2019-08-09 11:11:36
VIDEO: On This Day, March 5- Larry David's FISH IN THE DARK Opens On Broadway
by A.A. Cristi - 2019-03-05 16:25:15
News
Full Cast Set For RSC's TITUS ANDRONICUS With Simon Russell Beale
by Stephi Wild - Mar 13, 2025
Full casting has been announced for the RSC's forthcoming production of William Shakespeare's bloodiest of tragedies, Titus Andronicus, directed by Max Webster, which runs in the Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon.
by Stephi Wild - Mar 13, 2025
Full casting has been announced for the RSC's forthcoming production of William Shakespeare's bloodiest of tragedies, Titus Andronicus, directed by Max Webster, which runs in the Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon.
Veteran Theatrical Press Agent David Rothenberg To Release New Book In April
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 13, 2025
David Rothenberg, a theatre producer, playwright, and Broadway press agent, will release Manhattan Mayhem, a collection of short fiction, inspired by his nine decades in the entertainment industry. Manhattan Mayhem will be officially released April 2.
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 13, 2025
David Rothenberg, a theatre producer, playwright, and Broadway press agent, will release Manhattan Mayhem, a collection of short fiction, inspired by his nine decades in the entertainment industry. Manhattan Mayhem will be officially released April 2.
Leading Theatrical Producers Royo Recruit New Producer Nick Morrison
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 13, 2025
One of the UK's leading theatrical production companies ROYO has announced the recruitment of Nick Morrison as the company takes on several new large-scale productions in 2025.
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 13, 2025
One of the UK's leading theatrical production companies ROYO has announced the recruitment of Nick Morrison as the company takes on several new large-scale productions in 2025.
REP Stages Yasmina Reza’s ART; Expands The Bridge Project
by Oliver Oliveros - Mar 11, 2025
Part of its 88th season, Repertory Philippines (REP) is staging French playwright Yasmina Reza’s comedy 'Art,' translated by Christopher Hampton and directed by Victor Lirio, who also directed Harold Pinter’s 'Betrayal' last season. The production runs at the REP Eastwood Theatre in Quezon City from June 13 to 21, 2025.
by Oliver Oliveros - Mar 11, 2025
Part of its 88th season, Repertory Philippines (REP) is staging French playwright Yasmina Reza’s comedy 'Art,' translated by Christopher Hampton and directed by Victor Lirio, who also directed Harold Pinter’s 'Betrayal' last season. The production runs at the REP Eastwood Theatre in Quezon City from June 13 to 21, 2025.
Listen: HATCHED! Releases Album Featuring West End Cast
by Stephi Wild - Mar 10, 2025
To celebrate International Women’s Day 2025, the audio musical Hatched! has announced the release of its new album. Listen to the full album here and find out where to stream it!
by Stephi Wild - Mar 10, 2025
To celebrate International Women’s Day 2025, the audio musical Hatched! has announced the release of its new album. Listen to the full album here and find out where to stream it!
Full Cast Set For West End Transfer of GIANT Starring John Lithgow
by Stephi Wild - Mar 6, 2025
The full cast has been announced for the West End transfer of the Royal Court Theatre’s production of GIANT, written by Mark Rosenblatt, directed by Nicholas Hytner and designed by Bob Crowley.
by Stephi Wild - Mar 6, 2025
The full cast has been announced for the West End transfer of the Royal Court Theatre’s production of GIANT, written by Mark Rosenblatt, directed by Nicholas Hytner and designed by Bob Crowley.
DEAR ANNIE, I HATE YOU Comes to London in May
by Stephi Wild - Mar 5, 2025
Following its sell-out run at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 2024, Dear Annie, I Hate You is set to make its London debut at Riverside Studios for a limited four week run.
by Stephi Wild - Mar 5, 2025
Following its sell-out run at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 2024, Dear Annie, I Hate You is set to make its London debut at Riverside Studios for a limited four week run.
Joe DiPietro's F**KING MEN Returns To London For A Final Season
by Stephi Wild - Mar 5, 2025
F**king Men by multi award-winning playwright Joe DiPietro will return to London. After sell-out performances in 2023 and 2024, the production will return to Waterloo East Theatre for a strictly limited six-week run.
by Stephi Wild - Mar 5, 2025
F**king Men by multi award-winning playwright Joe DiPietro will return to London. After sell-out performances in 2023 and 2024, the production will return to Waterloo East Theatre for a strictly limited six-week run.
FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, GIANTS, THE YEARS, and More Nominated For 2025 Olivier Awards; Full List!
by Stephi Wild - Mar 4, 2025
The nominations have been announced for the Olivier Awards 2025. Among the nominees are Fiddler on the Roof, Giants, and The Years. Check out the full list of nominees here!
by Stephi Wild - Mar 4, 2025
The nominations have been announced for the Olivier Awards 2025. Among the nominees are Fiddler on the Roof, Giants, and The Years. Check out the full list of nominees here!
Photos: Helen Hunt & Robert Sean Leonard in BETRAYAL Revival at the Goodman Theatre
by Joshua Wright - Feb 25, 2025
Get a first look at Susan V. Booth’s major revival of Harold Pinter’s Nobel Prize-winning drama Betrayal. The trio at its heart are portrayed by Oscar, Emmy and Golden Globe Award winner Helen Hunt as Emma; Tony Award winner Robert Sean Leonard as Jerry; and Tony Award nominee and Outer Critics Circle Award winner Ian Barford as Robert, with Jeff Award nominee Nico Grelli as the Waiter.
by Joshua Wright - Feb 25, 2025
Get a first look at Susan V. Booth’s major revival of Harold Pinter’s Nobel Prize-winning drama Betrayal. The trio at its heart are portrayed by Oscar, Emmy and Golden Globe Award winner Helen Hunt as Emma; Tony Award winner Robert Sean Leonard as Jerry; and Tony Award nominee and Outer Critics Circle Award winner Ian Barford as Robert, with Jeff Award nominee Nico Grelli as the Waiter.
Tuppence Middleton to Join The Cast of THE YEARS at the Harold Pinter Theatre
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 20, 2025
Tuppence Middleton (The Motive and The Cue, Mank, Downton Abbey) will be joining the cast in Eline Arbo’s adaptation of Nobel Prize winner Annie Ernaux’s semi-autobiographical novel The Years. Learn more!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 20, 2025
Tuppence Middleton (The Motive and The Cue, Mank, Downton Abbey) will be joining the cast in Eline Arbo’s adaptation of Nobel Prize winner Annie Ernaux’s semi-autobiographical novel The Years. Learn more!
Review: BETRAYAL at Goodman Theatre
by Zac Thriffiley - Feb 19, 2025
Under the direction of artistic director Susan V. Booth and bolstered by actors at the heights of their craft, the Goodman’s BETRAYAL provides audiences with a sincere and sympathetic take on a modern classic.
by Zac Thriffiley - Feb 19, 2025
Under the direction of artistic director Susan V. Booth and bolstered by actors at the heights of their craft, the Goodman’s BETRAYAL provides audiences with a sincere and sympathetic take on a modern classic.
MAD HATTER THE MUSICAL Comes To Elgin Theatre In 2025
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 19, 2025
Mad Hatter The Musical comes to Toronto in 2025 for a journey down the rabbit hole and into the whimsical world of Wonderland at the legendary Elgin Theatre.
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 19, 2025
Mad Hatter The Musical comes to Toronto in 2025 for a journey down the rabbit hole and into the whimsical world of Wonderland at the legendary Elgin Theatre.
BETRAYAL Extended Again At Goodman Theatre
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 18, 2025
It's opening night for Susan V. Booth's major revival of Harold Pinter's Nobel Prize-winning drama Betrayal—which extends a second time by popular demand with eight additional performances.
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 18, 2025
It's opening night for Susan V. Booth's major revival of Harold Pinter's Nobel Prize-winning drama Betrayal—which extends a second time by popular demand with eight additional performances.
Booking Open For Imelda Staunton and Bessie Carter in MRS WARREN'S PROFESSION
by Stephi Wild - Feb 13, 2025
General booking is now open for the upcoming revival of George Bernard Shaw’s Mrs. Warren’s Profession starring Imelda Staunton and Bessie Carter, directed by Dominic Cooke.
by Stephi Wild - Feb 13, 2025
General booking is now open for the upcoming revival of George Bernard Shaw’s Mrs. Warren’s Profession starring Imelda Staunton and Bessie Carter, directed by Dominic Cooke.
Review Roundup: THE YEARS Makes Its West End Transfer
by Aliya Al-Hassan - Feb 10, 2025
The five-star sold out production of The Years has transferred to the West End for 12 weeks only. Based on Nobel Prize winner Annie Ernaux’s fearless masterpiece, five actors create an unapologetic portrait of a woman shaped by her rapidly-changing world.
by Aliya Al-Hassan - Feb 10, 2025
The five-star sold out production of The Years has transferred to the West End for 12 weeks only. Based on Nobel Prize winner Annie Ernaux’s fearless masterpiece, five actors create an unapologetic portrait of a woman shaped by her rapidly-changing world.
Review: THE YEARS, Harold Pinter Theatre
by Alexander Cohen - Feb 10, 2025
Critics raved about its initial run at the Almedia last year. Can it make the leap from intimate space to grand West End playhouse?
by Alexander Cohen - Feb 10, 2025
Critics raved about its initial run at the Almedia last year. Can it make the leap from intimate space to grand West End playhouse?
FAT HAM & BETRAYAL Extend at Goodman Theatre
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 6, 2025
Goodman Theatre will present additional performances for both of its current productions: James Ijames' Fat Ham and Susan V. Booth’s major revival of Betrayal. Learn more!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 6, 2025
Goodman Theatre will present additional performances for both of its current productions: James Ijames' Fat Ham and Susan V. Booth’s major revival of Betrayal. Learn more!
The MAP Theater to Present Revival of EXILES by James Joyce in February
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 31, 2025
The MAP Theater will present a rare revival of Exiles by James Joyce, one of the most influential writers of the 20th century. Learn more about the production and see how to purchase tickets.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 31, 2025
The MAP Theater will present a rare revival of Exiles by James Joyce, one of the most influential writers of the 20th century. Learn more about the production and see how to purchase tickets.
Photos: THE YEARS at the Harold Pinter Theatre
by Stephi Wild - Jan 30, 2025
Internationaal Theater Amsterdam’s new Artistic Director Eline Arbo returns to direct her five-star, sold out adaptation of Nobel Prize winner Annie Ernaux’s critically acclaimed semi-autobiographical novel The Years. Check out all new photos here!
by Stephi Wild - Jan 30, 2025
Internationaal Theater Amsterdam’s new Artistic Director Eline Arbo returns to direct her five-star, sold out adaptation of Nobel Prize winner Annie Ernaux’s critically acclaimed semi-autobiographical novel The Years. Check out all new photos here!
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?
Lebedev Special Award (Evening Standard Awards), Outstanding Lifetime Achievement (The Lortels), The Society's Special Award (Olivier Awards), Best Foreign Play (New York Drama Critics Circle Awards) for Betrayal, Play of the Year (Olivier Awards) for Betrayal, Best Play (New York Drama Critics Circle Awards) for The Homecoming, Best Play (Tony Awards) for The Homecoming, and Best Play (Evening Standard Awards) for The Caretaker.
Videos