Date of Birth: May 15, 1926
Zodiac Sign: Taurus
Date of Death: June 6, 2016
Biography
Sir Peter Levin Shaffer was a renowned English playwright and screenwriter, celebrated for his contributions to modern theater. Born on May 15, 1926, in Liverpool, England, Shaffer grew up in a Jewish family and was educated at St Paul’s School in London and Trinity College, Cambridge, where he studied history. He began his career in the arts by writing for radio and television before transitioning to theater, where he would leave an indelible mark. Shaffer’s first major success came with the play “Five Finger Exercise” in 1958, which won the Evening Standard Drama Award. His career skyrocketed with subsequent works like “The Royal Hunt of the Sun” (1964), “Equus” (1973), and “Amadeus” (1979), the latter of which was adapted into an Oscar-winning film in 1984. His works are known for their psychological depth, historical themes, and complex character studies. Shaffer was knighted in 2001 for his services to drama. He continued to write and influence the world of theater until his death in 2016.
5 Interesting Facts about Peter Shaffer
1. Peter Shaffer had a twin brother, Anthony Shaffer, who was also a successful playwright and screenwriter.
2. His play “Equus” won the Tony Award for Best Play in 1975 and was later adapted into a film in 1977.
3. Shaffer’s “Amadeus” won the Tony Award for Best Play in 1981 and the film adaptation won eight Academy Awards, including Best Picture.
4. He was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 2001 for his contributions to drama.
5. Shaffer was known for his meticulous research and often traveled extensively to gather material for his plays.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Peter Shaffer
1. “The sheer audacity of the work thrills me.”
2. “I think of a playwright like a painter; he has to have a canvas, brush, and paint.”
3. “I write for the public. The theater is not a private club.”
4. “There are no guarantees, but you can be sure that if you don’t try, nothing will happen.”
5. “I have a boundless love for both music and words, and I believe that they can coexist beautifully.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At the peak of his career, Peter Shaffer’s net worth was estimated to be around $20 million.
Children
Peter Shaffer did not have any children.
Relevant Links
1. [Peter Shaffer – Britannica](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Peter-Shaffer
3. [Peter Shaffer – IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0787393/
4. [Peter Shaffer – Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_Shaffer
5. [Peter Shaffer – Playbill](http://www.playbill.com/person/peter-shaffer-vault-0000003209
