13 Facts About Peter Shaffer

Sir Peter Levin Shaffer was an English playwright, screenwriter, and novelist.

Peter Shaffer grew up in London and was the identical twin brother of fellow playwright Anthony Shaffer.

Peter Shaffer was educated at the Hall School, Hampstead, and St Paul's School, London, and subsequently he gained a scholarship to Trinity College, Cambridge, to study history.

Peter Shaffer was a Bevin Boy coal miner during World War II, and took a number of jobs including bookstore clerk, and assistant at the New York Public Library, before discovering his dramatic talents.

Peter Shaffer's next piece was a double bill, The Private Ear and The Public Eye, two plays each containing three characters and concerning aspects of love.

Peter Shaffer's canon contains a mix of philosophical dramas and satirical comedies.

Peter Shaffer followed this success with Amadeus which won the Evening Standard Drama Award and the Theatre Critics' Award for the London production.

For writing the screenplay for Equus, Peter Shaffer was nominated for an Academy Award for his adapted screenplay, but the award went to Alvin Sargent, who wrote the screenplay for Julia.

For writing the screenplay for Amadeus, Peter Shaffer was awarded a Golden Globe Award and an Academy Award.

Peter Shaffer was given a Memorial Tribute on Broadway in 2017.

Leonard and Peter Shaffer are buried together in the east side of Highgate Cemetery.

Peter Shaffer co-wrote three detective novels with his brother Anthony Peter Shaffer under the pseudonym.

Peter Shaffer was appointed a CBE in 1987 and named Knight Bachelor in the 2001 New Year's Honours.