Tom Stoppard, a playwright who is best known for his roles in Shakespeare in Love and Empire of the Sun, has passed away. He was 88 years old.

The late acting legend’s agents at United Agents confirmed the news, telling the BBC that he “died peacefully at home in Dorset, surrounded by his family.”

“He will be remembered for his works, for their brilliance and humanity,” the statement reads. “And for his wit, his irreverence, his generosity of spirit, and his profound love of the English language. It was an honour to work with Tom and to know him.”

Born in Czechoslovakia on July 3, 1937, as Tomáš Sträussler, Stoppard’s writing career began in the early 1950s. After working as a journalist and drama critic, he became a playwright in 1960.

Known as the playwright for the National Theatre,

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