Playwright Sir Tom Stoppard has passed away at the age of 88, and among the first to pay homage were King Charles III and Queen Camilla, who praised him as "one of our greatest writers." Recollecting him as a "dear friend" treasured for his profound wit and artistic versatility, they noted that he often penned works that were not only challenging but also deeply moving and inspiring. A celebrated figure in the theater and film industries, Sir Tom, who earned an Oscar and a Golden Globe for his screenplay for 'Shakespeare In Love,' died peacefully at his Dorset home, his agents confirmed on Saturday. As news of his passing spread, an outpouring of international tributes followed, celebrating his over six-decade-long career during which he masterfully tackled philosophical and political themes.
The Royal couple expressed being "deeply saddened" by his departure, extending their heartfelt condolences to his family. Their tribute included a memorable quote from Sir Tom's play 'Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead': "Look on every exit as being an entrance somewhere else." This work, counted among his iconic pieces, shares the accolade with other titles such as 'The Real Thing.'
Famed musician Sir Mick Jagger paid his respects on social media, describing Stoppard as his "favourite playwright" and lauded his impressive body of work for its intellect and humor. Author Robert Harris, a close confidant, admired Stoppard for his joyful approach to life and his extraordinary creative talents, reminiscing on their last summer interaction. According to the Times, Stoppard showcased his signature wit and enthusiasm for life right up to the end. Australian-British novelist Kathy Lette also remembered him as incredibly witty, sharing a photo of them together online and recalling his conversations that left an indelible impression.
Sir Tom’s illustrious career was filled with numerous recognitions, including being knighted in 1997 for his contributions to literature. His multifaceted career spanned writing for theater, film, television, and radio, and featured works like his adaptation of Leo Tolstoy's 'Anna Karenina' and the recent semi-autobiographical play 'Leopoldstadt,' which earned him an Olivier Award and multiple Tony awards. Nicholas Hytner, who directed 'The Hard Problem' at London's National Theatre, fondly commemorated Stoppard's "astonishing generosity and curiosity," underscoring his ability to enrich the lives of those around him.
The Olivier Awards organisation announced that West End theatres would dim their lights on the evening of December 2 to honour Sir Tom's enduring legacy. In a touching tribute on social media, they highlighted Stoppard’s extraordinary achievement in winning numerous Olivier and Tony awards alongside an Oscar, reflecting the wide-reaching impact of his work both on stage and screen.