Eric-Emmanuel Schmitt

Date of Birth: March 28, 1960

Zodiac Sign: Aries

Biography

Eric-Emmanuel Schmitt is a renowned French-Belgian dramatist, novelist, and filmmaker, celebrated for his exceptional contributions to contemporary literature and theater. Born in Sainte-Foy-lès-Lyon, France, Schmitt initially pursued a career in academia, earning a Ph.D. in Philosophy from the École Normale Supérieure. His literary career took off with the success of his play “La Nuit de Valognes” in 1991, and he has since become one of the most widely read and performed French-language authors in the world. Schmitt’s works often explore themes of spirituality, humanism, and the complexity of human relationships. His plays, such as “Enigma Variations” and “The Visitor,” have been translated into numerous languages and performed internationally. He has also authored several novels, including “The Most Beautiful Book in the World” and “Oscar and the Lady in Pink,” which have garnered critical acclaim and commercial success. In addition to his writing, Schmitt has directed films, including adaptations of his own works. He has received numerous awards throughout his career, including the Grand Prix du Théâtre de l’Académie Française and the Prix Goncourt des Lycéens. Schmitt became a Belgian citizen in 2008 and continues to write and reside in Brussels.

5 Interesting Facts about Eric-Emmanuel Schmitt

1. Eric-Emmanuel Schmitt’s play “The Visitor” won the Molière Award for Best Playwright in 1994.

2. He has translated several works of Shakespeare into French.

3. Schmitt’s novel “The Most Beautiful Book in the World” was a bestseller in France and has been translated into over 20 languages.

4. He is known for his ability to blend philosophical questions with engaging narratives, making complex ideas accessible to a broad audience.

5. Schmitt has been an advocate for promoting literature and theater among young people and has participated in numerous educational initiatives.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Eric-Emmanuel Schmitt

1. “La vie est trop courte pour être petite.” (“Life is too short to be little.”)

2. “L’amour, c’est de la physique; le mariage, c’est de la chimie.” (“Love is physics; marriage is chemistry.”)

3. “Les livres sont des amis froids et sûrs.” (“Books are cold and sure friends.”)

4. “Le bonheur, c’est d’être heureux; ce n’est pas de faire croire aux autres qu’on l’est.” (“Happiness is being happy; it is not making others believe that you are.”)

5. “Le théâtre, c’est la vie; le cinéma, c’est l’art de vivre.” (“Theater is life; cinema is the art of living.”)