He won an Oscar for “Shakespeare in Love”.. King Charles mourns British playwright Tom Stoppard | art

The famous British playwright Tom Stoppard, who won an Academy Award for his screenplay for the 1998 film “Shakespeare in Love,” has died at the age of 88, according to what United Agents announced, which confirmed that he died “peacefully at his home in Dorset, surrounded by his family.”

Stoppard, who was born in Czechoslovakia in 1937 and then fled with his family from the Nazi occupation to Britain, began his career as a journalist before moving to the world of playwriting, where he left a clear imprint over more than 6 decades in theatre, radio, television and cinema.

Stoppard is best known for Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead, an absurdist comedy that reimagines two minor characters from Shakespeare’s Hamlet. He was known for his unique ability to combine philosophical thought with intelligent humor, which distinguished his works that received wide acclaim, including “Arcadia” and “The Coast of Utopia.”

During his career, Stoppard won a number of prestigious awards, most notably the Academy Award, and the title of knight from Queen Elizabeth II in 1997 in recognition of his contributions to literature.

Following the announcement of his death, King Charles III and Queen Camilla expressed “deep sadness” at the passing of what they described as “a dear friend who humbly demonstrated his genius,” adding in a statement issued by Buckingham Palace: “His pen was able to address any subject, and he did so to inspire and influence his audience.”

For his part, British rock singer Mick Jagger wrote – via the X platform – that “Tom Stoppard was my favorite playwright. He leaves us with a rich legacy of intellectual and enjoyable works. I will always miss him.”

Tom Stoppard was my favourite playwright. He leaves us with a majestic body of intellectual and amusing work. I will always miss him. pic.twitter.com/c9c2Y3ohZn

— Mick Jagger (@MickJagger) November 29, 2025

United Agents praised Stoppard’s humanitarian qualities, and said in its statement: “He will be remembered for his creative works, his intelligence, his spontaneity, his generosity, and his deep love of the English language. It was an honor to work with him and get to know him.”