Harold Pinter

Profession: Playwright

Nationality:

Biography: Harold Pinter was the most influential British playwright of the second half of the 20th century. He was also a significant screenwriter, actor and director. In 2005 he was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature.

Pinter's first play "The Room" debuted in 1957. "The Birthday Party" also 1957, was famously cancelled after eight performances but later became a classic. Other notable plays include "The Homecoming" (1964) directed by Peter Hall and "The Servant" (1963). The term "Pinteresque" is now regularly used to mean a sense of menace characterized with long unpredictable pauses.

Pinter's most important screenplays include "The Go-Between" (1971) which won the Palme d'Or and "The French Lieutenant's Woman" (1981) starring Meryl Streep.

From 1980 until his death Pinter was married to the historian and writer Lady Antonia Frazer.

Born: October 10, 1930
Birthplace: London, England, United Kingdom

Generation: Silent Generation
Chinese Zodiac: Horse
Star Sign: Libra

Died: December 24, 2008 (aged 78)