Ira Levin Ira Levin Ira Marvin Levin (August 27, 1929 – November 12, 2007) was an American novelist, playwright, and songwriter. His most noted works include the novels "A Kiss Before Dying" (1953), "Rosemary's Baby" (1967), "The Stepford Wives" (1972), and "The Boys from Brazil" (1976), as well as the play "Deathtrap" (1978). Many of his novels and plays have been adapted to film. Ira Levin was born on August 27, 1929, in the New York City, New York borough of Manhattan. He grew up in both Manhattan and the Bronx. His father, Charles, was a toy importer. Levin was educated at
Ira Levin career of Andy Griffith. The play was turned into a movie in 1958, and co-starred Nick Adams; it was later developed into a 1964 television comedy series starring Sammy Jackson. "No Time for Sergeants" is generally considered the precursor to "Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C.". Levin's best-known play is "Deathtrap", which holds the record as the longest running comedy thriller on Broadway and brought Levin his second Edgar Award. In 1982, it was made into a film starring Christopher Reeve and Michael Caine. Levin's first novel, "A Kiss Before Dying", was well received, earning him the 1954 Edgar Award for Best First