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Shaffer was surrounded by friends and family at the time of
his death, just a few weeks after his 90th birthday, agent
Dennis Aspland told Reuters.
Born in Liverpool, and educated in London and Cambridge, Shaffer
established his career with 1954's "The Salt Land," produced for
BBC television, and comedies such as "The Private Ear" and "The
Public Eye," both starring Dame Maggie Smith.
His drama "Equus" won numerous awards in 1975, including the
Tony Award for best play, as did his drama "Amadeus" in 1981.
Shaffer was nominated for an Oscar in 1978 for his "Equus"
screenplay and later won an Oscar for his screenplay adaptation
of "Amadeus" in 1985.
"Equus" was revived most recently in 2007 on London's West End
and New York's Broadway. "Amadeus" will be revived at London's
National Theater, which Shaffer was closely involved with, this
fall.
The playwright was awarded the Commander of the Order of the
British Empire (CBE) in 1987 and was knighted in 2001 by Queen
Elizabeth II.
He is survived by his brother, Brian Shaffer.
(Editing by Bernadette Baum)
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