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Ira Levin Obituary
Levin suffered a fatal heart attack in his Manhattan apartment on Monday, said agent Phyllis Westberg.
The native New Yorker, whose father was in the toy business and had hoped that his son would follow in his footsteps, decided at age 15 that he wanted a career in writing and finished second in a screenplay writing competition held by NBC while a senior at New York University.
Levin began working as a TV writer before finishing his first novel, "A Kiss Before Dying," a murder mystery that was an instant success. His debut won the Edgar Allan Poe Award as the best first novel of 1953.
It wasn't until 14 years later that Levin completed his second novel, "Rosemary's Baby," the creepy tale of a New York couple in the clutch of Satanists who want the young wife to bear Satan's child.
As often happened with Levin's books, "Rosemary's Baby" became a movie - in this case, starring Mia Farrow. "The Boys From Brazil," "The Stepford Wives" and "Sliver" were also turned into big-budget Hollywood productions.
Levin also wrote the long-running Broadway hit "Deathtrap," which debuted in February 1978.
Copyright © 2007 The Associated Press
21 Entries
Robert F. Bob Lucy f sb c
Joy Lucy
September 26, 2017
Ira was an oral visionary - a true oral visionary - in a time where oral visionaries were not truly appreciated. His works though stifled enough people he will always be thought of as a psychic my many - I guess.
julia sullivan
September 3, 2014
Wonderful writer. Underappreciated!
June 20, 2013
he was a very good writer
KATHY AND BUDDY BARNETT
May 21, 2012
ROSEMARY'S BABY WAS THE BEST NOVEL EVER. R.I.P IRA LEVIN-WE LOVE YOU AND YOUR BOOKS.
How you can show support
April 1, 2010
For Ira...the words your wrote,
are treasured.
WEEP NOT FOR ME
Do not weep for me when I no longer dwell among the wonders of the earth; for my larger self is free, and my soul rejoices on the other side of pain...on the other side of darkness.
Do not weep for me, for I am a ray of sunshine that touches your skin, a tropical breeze upon your face, the hush of joy within your heart and the innocence of babes in mothers arms.
I am the hope in a darkened night. And, in your hour of need, I will be there to comfort you. I will share your tears, your joys, your fears, your disappointments and your triumphs.
Do not weep for me, for I am cradled
in the arms of God. I walk with the angels, and hear the music beyond the stars.
Do not weep for me, for I am within you;
I am peace, love, I am a soft wind that caresses the flowers. I am the calm that follows a raging storm. I am an autumns leaf that floats among the garden of God, and I am pure white snow that softly falls upon your hand.
Do not weep for me, for I shall never die, as long as you remember me...
with a smile and a sigh.
© Joe Fazio
~
[email protected] /Joe Fazio,
Beverly Hills, California
Austin Hamel
December 6, 2007
As all my friends from the distant past fade away, I always took heart in thinking--there will always be an Ira, my old schoolmate, confidant and buddy.
Leigh Jahnig
November 25, 2007
When I was in high school, I wrote a paper about Ira Levin, and on a whim, wrote him a letter. He took the time and effort to write me back several times. I was touched by the fact that he responded, and by the fact that he told me he displayed the finished paper on his coffee table. His sense of humor was extremely gratifying, and his enthusiasm made me smile. I consider him my favorite writer and one of my heroes.
My condolences go out to his family. He will be sorely missed.
Michael Brim
November 16, 2007
Although he didn't know it, he was an inspiration to me. A wonderful writer and example. I'll miss him.
Elana Fisher
November 15, 2007
Very sorry to hear of your loss. My condolences to the entire Levin family, and in particular to Nick who I remember fondly from our time together at New Lincoln.
Len Levin
November 15, 2007
About one year ago my wife and I were asked to attend a local theater production of "Veronica's Room". A friend had mentioned to the producer that I was related to Ira and hence the phone call. Having seen almost all of Ira's shows on Broadway before moving from the New York area in 1970, I was anxious to see this production. It, like most of his works, was absolutely brilliant. You will be missed cuz.
Lance and Becky Turner
November 15, 2007
The world has lost a truly gifted writer. Rosemary's Baby still gives me goosebumps! Our thoughts and prayers are sent to Mr. Levin's family and friends during this very difficult time. Rest in peace Mr. Levin and may the angels greet you at the gates of Heaven.
Sheila Smith
November 15, 2007
Rest in Peace Ira.
Adrianne Sosanie
November 14, 2007
Mr. Levin was a unique mystery writer and I've never forgotten how absolutely engrossing "A Kiss Before Dying Was" - his talent will be missed.
louise wisinski
November 14, 2007
I'll always remember reading Stepford Wives and gasping at the "part"..you wrote wonderful books and plays..you will always be remembered.
Chuck Herfurth
November 14, 2007
Thirty years ago, in a tiny 50 seat loft theatre on the second floor of The John Harms Performing Arts Plaza in Englewood, NJ, Ira Levin attended a performance, of a rarely produced little known play of his, "Veronica's Room".
I will never forget that night. I produced that play, and the impact of him attending, of his own accord, and offering encouragement and praise to a fledgling band of young actors, I am sure has had lasting effect on all of us, even to this day.
Rest In Peace, Mr. Levin, and thank you for that night .
THE CENTER STAGE COMPANY OF BERGEN COUNTY
Thomas Widgeon
November 14, 2007
Jesus Loves You!!
bklyn
November 13, 2007
I loved his books` and the movies based on them. He will be missed.
Rest in peace.
D.L. ZIMMERMAN
November 13, 2007
REST IN PEACE, IRA LEVIN
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