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King Charles III and Queen Camilla have expressed deep sorrow over the passing of renowned playwright Sir Tom Stoppard, who died at the age of 88. They hailed him as “one of our greatest writers” and remembered him as a close friend whose brilliance was always modestly displayed. Celebrated for his versatile talent, Sir Tom addressed a wide array of subjects in his work, captivating, challenging, and inspiring audiences around the globe through themes drawn from his own life experiences.
Sir Tom Stoppard, recognized with an Oscar and a Golden Globe for his screenplay of *Shakespeare in Love*, passed away peacefully at his home in Dorset, surrounded by his family, according to his agents. His contributions to theater and film over six decades earned admiration worldwide, with tributes highlighting the philosophical and political dimensions of his plays. The King and Queen extended their heartfelt condolences to his family, invoking a famous line from his play *Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead*: “Look on every exit as being an entrance somewhere else.”
Numerous eminent figures took to social media to honor Sir Tom’s memory. Mick Jagger referred to him as his “favourite playwright,” acknowledging the “majestic body of intellectual and amusing work” he left behind. Author Robert Harris, a close friend, praised Stoppard’s wit, happiness, and enduring passion for life and writing, while Australian-British novelist Kathy Lette recalled his sharp humor and imaginative wit that left those around him intellectually invigorated.
Throughout a distinguished career, Sir Tom received many prestigious accolades, including a knighthood in 1997 for his services to literature. Beyond theater, his adaptations spanned film, television, and radio, notably including the 2012 version of *Anna Karenina*. His 2020 play *Leopoldstadt,* partly autobiographical and set in early 20th-century Vienna’s Jewish quarter, won several major awards such as an Olivier and four Tonys. Many colleagues praised his generosity and curiosity, with director Nicholas Hytner calling him “a legendary host” and “an exceptional enhancer of the lives he touched.” To honor his legacy, West End theaters will dim their lights for two minutes on December 2 at 7 p.m. BST.
Rupert Goold, artistic director of the Almeida Theatre, remembered Sir Tom as the “most supportive, most generous man,” whose unique magic infused all his work. Born Tomas Straussler in Czechoslovakia, Sir Tom’s early life was marked by profound upheaval. His family fled the Nazi threat when he was a baby, moving first to Singapore where his father died in a Japanese prison camp. Subsequent escape from the Japanese invasion took young Tomas, his mother, and brother to Australia and later India, before settling in England. Only later did he learn that all four of his Jewish grandparents had perished in Nazi concentration camps. Reflecting on his life in a 1999 interview, he described it as “a charmed life,” conscious of the fortunate survival he experienced.
Lyricist Sir Tim Rice shared his admiration for Sir Tom’s ability to blend intellectual depth with humor and fun. He noted how *Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead,* Sir Tom’s breakthrough success, exemplified this rare mix. Rice expressed confidence that Stoppard’s plays will endure far beyond their era, stating, “I think Tom Stoppard’s will, no question.”
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