Tom Stoppard, the celebrated British playwright known for his wit and profound contributions to theater, has passed away at the age of 88. He died peacefully at his home in Dorset, England, surrounded by family, according to a statement from United Agents.

Stoppard was best known for his Academy Award-winning screenplay for the 1998 film "Shakespeare In Love." His works have been praised for their brilliance, humanity, and cleverness. United Agents remarked, "He will be remembered for his works, for their brilliance and humanity, and for his wit, his irreverence, his generosity of spirit and his profound love of the English language. It was an honor to work with Tom and to know him."

Born Tomáš Sträussler in 1937 in Zlín, Czechoslovakia, Stoppard's early life was marked by upheaval. His family fled to Singapore during World War II, and later to India, escaping the Nazi regime. After the war, they settled in England, where Stoppard embraced his new identity, stating he "put on Englishness like a coat."

Stoppard began his career as a journalist at age 17 before transitioning to playwriting. His breakthrough came with "Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead," which premiered at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 1966. The play reimagined Shakespeare's "Hamlet" from the perspective of two minor characters and became a significant success, leading to a Broadway run.

Throughout his career, Stoppard wrote numerous acclaimed plays, including "The Real Thing," "Arcadia," and "Leopoldstadt," which premiered in 2020 and drew on his own family history. His works often explored complex themes, blending humor with deeper philosophical inquiries. Five of his plays won Tony Awards for Best Play, showcasing his impact on the theater world.

In addition to his stage work, Stoppard wrote screenplays for notable films, including "Empire of the Sun" and the cult classic "Brazil." He shared an Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay for "Shakespeare In Love" with Marc Norman. Stoppard was also known for his advocacy of free speech and human rights, collaborating with organizations like PEN and Index on Censorship.

Stoppard's personal life included three marriages and four children, including actor Ed Stoppard. He was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 1997 for his contributions to literature. His legacy as one of the greatest playwrights of his generation is firmly established, with a body of work that continues to resonate with audiences around the world.

He is survived by his children and grandchildren, leaving behind a rich legacy in the world of theater and beyond.