Ira Levin

Date of Birth: August 27, 1929

Zodiac Sign: Virgo

Date of Death: November 12, 2007

Biography

Ira Levin was a renowned American novelist, playwright, and songwriter, celebrated for his contributions to the thriller and horror genres. Born in New York City, Levin’s career spanned over five decades, influencing countless readers and writers. He is best known for his novels “Rosemary’s Baby,” “The Stepford Wives,” and “The Boys from Brazil,” all of which have been adapted into successful films. Levin’s writing is noted for its suspenseful plotting, crisp prose, and ability to tap into societal anxieties. Levin graduated from Horace Mann School before attending Drake University and later transferring to New York University, where he majored in philosophy and English. He sold his first script to the NBC-TV series “Lights Out” while still in college. His debut novel, “A Kiss Before Dying,” won the Edgar Award for Best First Novel and established him as a master of psychological thrillers. Despite his success as a novelist, Levin also enjoyed a prolific career in the theater. His play “Deathtrap” holds the record as the longest-running comedy-thriller on Broadway. Levin’s work continues to be celebrated for its ingenuity, psychological depth, and skillful manipulation of suspense.

5 Interesting Facts about Ira Levin

1. Levin’s novel “Rosemary’s Baby” is considered one of the greatest horror novels of the 20th century and was adapted into a critically acclaimed film directed by Roman Polanski.

2. His play “Deathtrap” ran for four years on Broadway and received a Tony Award nomination.

3. Levin wrote the screenplay for the 1975 film adaptation of his novel “The Stepford Wives.”

4. He received the Horror Writers Association’s Bram Stoker Award for Lifetime Achievement in 1996.

5. Levin’s novel “The Boys from Brazil” explores the theme of cloning and its ethical implications, demonstrating his foresight into scientific advancements and their potential consequences.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Ira Levin

1. “Suspense is like a woman. The more left to the imagination, the more the excitement.”

2. “If society fits you comfortably enough, you call it freedom.”

3. “Anyone who can write a book that captivates people is a very clever person.”

4. “I like to entertain people. I write stories that I would like to read myself.”

5. “I’ve always felt you unearth story, like you’re on an archaeological dig and you unearth the bones.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, Ira Levin’s net worth was estimated to be around $10 million, largely due to the success of his books and their film adaptations.