Theatre communities around the world are mourning the death of renowned British playwright Tom Stoppard, who has died at the age of 88.
Best known for his Academy Award–winning work on the 1998 screenplay Shakespeare in Love, Stoppard died peacefully at his home in Dorset, surrounded by family.
His agency, United Agents, confirmed his passing in a statement.
“He will be remembered for his works, for their brilliance and humanity, and for his wit, his irreverence, his generosity of spirit and his profound love of the English language,” it reads.
“It was an honour to work with Tom and to know him.”
Widely regarded as one of the best playwrights of his generation, Stoppard earned international respect throughout his decades-long career.
Tributes from across the arts world began flowing soon after the announcement.
Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger was among the first to pay his respects.
“Tom Stoppard was my favourite playwright. He leaves us with a majestic body of intellectual and amusing work. I will always miss him,” he wrote on X, sharing several memorial photos.
The National Theatre also honoured his legacy, describing his contribution to the stage as “simply immense.”
In addition to his acclaimed film work, Stoppard was a four-time Tony Award winner, recognised for Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead, Travesties, The Real Thing and The Coast of Utopia.
He also earned praise for rewriting the script of Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade under the pen name Barry Watson – a contribution that reportedly resulted in a $1 million bonus despite being uncredited.
Stoppard was married three times, first to Jose Ingle, then to TV doctor Miriam Stern, and later to TV producer Sabrina Guinness.
He is survived by his four children and several grandchildren.
To mark his passing, theatres across London’s West End will dim their lights on Tuesday at 7pm.
Images: Instagram
