About
Noël Coward was a major figure in 20th-century British theatre and cinema. Born in Teddington, he made his stage debut at age 11. His play The Vortex (1924) brought him fame, followed by comedies of manners such as Private Lives (1930) and Blithe Spirit (1941). He also excelled in musical theatre (Bitter Sweet, 1929) and film, notably with In Which We Serve (1942). During World War II, he entertained troops and worked for intelligence. He reinvented himself in cabaret and television in the 1950s. Knighted in 1970, he died in Jamaica in 1973.
* 1899-12-16 — † 1973-03-26
Major works
- The Vortex (1924)play
- Private Lives (1930)play
- Bitter Sweet (1929)musical
- Blithe Spirit (1941)play
- In Which We Serve (1942)film
Key milestones
- 1924His play The Vortex premieres in London, marking his critical success.
- 1942He co-directs and stars in In Which We Serve, nominated for Oscars.
- 1970He is knighted by Queen Elizabeth II.
Themes
Comedy of mannersSocial satireRomantic relationshipsPatriotismWit and elegance
Sources: britannica.com · noelcoward.com · npg.org.uk