born Dec. 16, 1899, Teddington, near London, Eng.
died March 26, 1973, St. Mary, Jam.
British playwright, actor, and songwriter.
An actor from age 12, he wrote light comedies between engagements, but it was a serious drama, The Vortex (1924), that established his reputation. His classic comedies came later: Hay Fever (1925), Private Lives (1930), Design for Living (1933), Present Laughter (1939), and Blithe Spirit (1941) presented sophisticated characters in a worldly milieu. He often wrote for and performed with his close friend Gertrude Lawrence . His most popular musical play was Bitter Sweet (1929). He wrote the poignant film Brief Encounter (1945), and he acted in the film versions of many of his plays. He also wrote short stories, novels, and numerous songs, including "Mad Dogs and Englishmen."