WRITER · BORN 1926 · DIED 2016
Peter Shaffer
- Born
- 15 May 1926, Liverpool, England, UK
- Died
- 6 June 2016
- Known for
- Amadeus (1984)
19 archived facts 4 topics 1 source Last reviewed Nov 2026
Peter Shaffer (15 May 1926 – 6 June 2016) was a screenwriter best known for Amadeus.
19 Interesting Facts About Peter Shaffer
Interesting Facts (2)
- #001
Peter Shaffer's life partner, Robert Leonard, died in 1990. The loss left a deep mark on Shaffer's personal life and was reflected in his work in the years that followed. Leonard's death was an important turning point that influenced Shaffer's art and his worldview.
- #002
Peter Shaffer was the brother-in-law of the famous actress Diane Cilento. Diane Cilento was a figure who took on important roles in cinema and theatre, especially in the 1960s.
Characters & Cast (7)
- #003
By the 1960s, when his twin brother Anthony began his writing career, Peter Shaffer was already an established playwright. Peter asked Anthony to use a different name, believing that otherwise the two would constantly be compared and confused with each other. Anthony rejected the suggestion and went on to achieve success under his own name. This led journalists interviewing Peter to ask frequent questions about sibling rivalry. Peter's concern lays bare the difficulties that arise when twin brothers work in the same field.
- #004
Peter Shaffer had a twin brother, Anthony Shaffer, who was born five minutes before him and who was also a writer. This twinning meant the two brothers were constantly compared with each other throughout their careers. Both achieved major success in the worlds of theatre and cinema, but it also created a sense of rivalry between them.
- #005
Peter Shaffer and his twin brother Anthony Shaffer both won great acclaim by adapting their own successful stage plays for the cinema. Peter wrote the screenplay for the 1984 film 'Amadeus', while Anthony wrote the screenplay for the 1972 film 'Sleuth'. Both films received full marks from critics and were successful at the box office.
- #006
Peter Shaffer was the brother-in-law of the famous actress Diane Cilento. Diane Cilento was a figure who took on important roles in cinema and theatre, particularly in the 1960s. This family tie also lays bare Shaffer's close relationship with artistic circles.
- #007
Peter Shaffer was the step-uncle of the famous actor Jason Connery. Jason Connery was known as the son of the Scottish actor Sean Connery. This family tie once again reveals Shaffer's relationship with a wide circle in the world of the arts.
- #008
Peter Shaffer began his education at St Paul's School and then studied at Trinity College, Cambridge. After graduating from university, he worked in the Acquisitions Department of the New York Public Library and at the music publisher Boosey & Hawkes. These experiences enriched his literary and artistic background and gave him a broad perspective before he moved into a career as a playwright.
- #009
Peter Shaffer won the Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay for the film 'Amadeus'. This award confirmed his mastery at adapting his stage play for the cinema. 'Amadeus' both received full marks from critics and achieved great box office success. Shaffer's success proved just how talented he was not only in theatre but also in cinema.
Career & Awards (5)
- #010
By the 1960s, when his twin brother Anthony began his writing career, Peter Shaffer was already an established playwright. Peter asked Anthony to use a different name, believing they would otherwise be constantly compared and confused with each other. Anthony rejected the suggestion and went on to achieve success under his own name, which led journalists interviewing Peter to ask frequent questions about sibling rivalry. Peter's concern illustrates the difficulties that arise when twin brothers work in the same field.
- #011
Peter Shaffer's play 'Amadeus' was staged again on Broadway in New York in 2000, and this production was nominated for a Tony Award for Best Revival of a Play. The revival proved that the play is a timeless masterpiece that retains its impact on audiences even after many years. The nomination shows how respected Shaffer's work still is in the theatre world.
- #012
Peter Shaffer was appointed a Knight Bachelor of the Order of the British Empire in the 2001 New Year Honours for services to drama. This honour gave him the right to use the title 'Sir' and marked the peak of his career in the theatre world. By receiving this honour, Shaffer consolidated his place among the most respected names of British theatre.
- #013
Peter Shaffer and his twin brother Anthony Shaffer both won the Tony Award for Best Play, a rare achievement in theatre history. Anthony won the award in 1971 with 'Sleuth', while Peter was nominated four times: he was nominated in 1967 with 'Black Comedy' and in 1990 with 'Lettice and Lovage', and won the award in 1975 with 'Equus' and in 1981 with 'Amadeus'.
- #014
Peter Shaffer won the Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay with the film 'Amadeus'. This award confirmed his mastery in adapting his stage play to the cinema. 'Amadeus' both received full marks from critics and achieved great box-office success.
Life & Family (5)
- #015
Peter Shaffer had a twin brother, Anthony Shaffer, who was born five minutes before him and was also a writer. This twinhood meant the two brothers were constantly compared with each other throughout their careers. Both achieved major success in the worlds of theatre and cinema, but it also created a sense of rivalry between them.
- #016
Peter Shaffer and his twin brother Anthony Shaffer both won great acclaim by adapting their own successful stage plays for the cinema. Peter wrote the screenplay for the 1984 film 'Amadeus', while Anthony wrote the screenplay for the 1972 film 'Sleuth'. Both films received full marks from critics and succeeded at the box office.
- #017
Peter Shaffer was born the son of Reka (Fredman) and Jack Shaffer. His family was of Eastern European Jewish origin, and this background was influential in his works dealing with themes of identity and belonging. His family's immigrant past shaped his sensitivity to different cultures and historical events.
- #018
Peter Shaffer was the step-uncle of the well-known actor Jason Connery. Jason Connery was known as the son of the Scottish actor Sean Connery. This family connection once again reveals Shaffer's relationship with the broad circles of the art world.
- #019
Peter Shaffer began his education at St Paul's School and then studied at Trinity College, part of Cambridge University. After graduating from university, he worked in the Acquisitions Department of the New York Public Library and at the music publisher Boosey & Hawkes. These experiences enriched his literary and artistic background and gave him a broad perspective before he moved into his career as a playwright.
Related pages
- Marlon Brando — Peter Shaffer comes up in the facts on that page
Sources & editorial notes
Reference databases
- Wikipedia
- IMDb
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