Ronald Harwood

Date of Birth: November 9, 1934

Zodiac Sign: Scorpio

Date of Death: September 8, 2020

Biography

Sir Ronald Harwood was a South African-born English playwright, screenwriter, and author renowned for his contributions to theatre and film. Born on November 9, 1934, in Cape Town, South Africa, he moved to London in the 1950s to pursue a career in the arts. Harwood initially trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and subsequently joined the Shakespeare Company as a dresser for Sir Donald Wolfit, an experience that deeply influenced his later work. Harwood’s prolific career spanned several decades and included notable works such as “The Dresser” (1980), a play inspired by his time with Wolfit, which was later adapted into a successful film. Another significant work, “Taking Sides” (1995), examined the moral complexities of cultural figures during the Nazi era. Harwood was acclaimed for his screenplays as well, winning an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay for “The Pianist” (2002), directed by Roman Polanski. Throughout his life, Harwood received numerous accolades, including a knighthood in 2010 for his services to drama. He passed away on September 8, 2020, leaving behind a rich legacy in both theatre and film.

5 Interesting Facts about Ronald Harwood

1. Harwood was born Ronald Horwitz and changed his name upon moving to London to avoid being typecast as a Jewish writer.

2. He served as President of the Royal Society of Literature from 2001 to 2004.

3. His play “The Dresser” was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Screenplay in 1983.

4. Harwood’s adaptation of “The Diving Bell and the Butterfly” (2007) was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay.

5. He was a vocal advocate for writers’ rights and was actively involved in PEN International, an association of writers working to promote literature and defend freedom of expression.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Ronald Harwood

1. “Life is about not knowing, having to change, taking the moment and making the best of it, without knowing what’s going to happen next.”

2. “Theater is a living creature. You can do it differently every night.”

3. “My work is the only ground I’ve ever had to stand on.”

4. “The great thing about theater is that it is immediate and alive.”

5. “I write because I can’t not write. Writing for me is a necessity.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, Ronald Harwood’s net worth was estimated to be around $5 million.

Children

Ronald Harwood had three children: Antony Harwood, Deborah Harwood, and Alexandra Harwood. Antony pursued a career in literary agenting, Deborah became a film producer, and Alexandra is a composer.