Donald E. Westlake
- Known For
- Writing
- Born
- July 12, 1933 in Brooklyn, New York City, New York, USA
- Died
- December 31, 2008
- Active Years
- 1963–2025 (63 Years)
- Total Credits
- 44 credits in database
Biography
Donald Edwin Westlake was an American writer born on July 12, 1933, in Brooklyn, New York City, New York, USA. He specialized in crime fiction and wrote over a hundred novels and non-fiction books. Westlake was a three-time Edgar Award winner and was named a Grand Master by the Mystery Writers of America in 1993. He died on December 31, 2008, at the age of 75. Westlake had 40 known credits and was known for his writing, particularly in the crime fiction genre, with occasional forays into science fiction or other genres.
Career overview
Donald E. Westlake was an American writer with over a hundred novels and non-fiction books to his credit. He specialized in crime fiction, especially comic capers, and also wrote in other genres such as science fiction. Westlake's work was recognized with several awards, including three Edgar Awards, which he won in different categories.
Westlake won his Edgar Awards in 1968 for Best Novel for God Save the Mark, in 1990 for Best Short Story for "Too Many Crooks", and in 1991 for Best Motion Picture Screenplay for The Grifters. In 1993, the Mystery Writers of America named Westlake a Grand Master, which is the highest honor bestowed by the society.
Donald E. Westlake was born on July 12, 1933, in Brooklyn, New York City, New York, USA, and died on December 31, 2008, at the age of 75. He had 40 known credits and was known for his writing. Some of his works have been adapted into films, as noted in various online sources, including The Westlake Review, which discusses film adaptations of his work.
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Career timeline
Full Filmography
44 titles- Play Dirty (2025) Characters
- No Other Choice (2025) Novel
- The Actor (2025) Novel
- Parker (2013) Novel
- The Stepfather (2009) Story
- The Stepfather (2009) Original Film Writer
- Ripley Under Ground (2007) Screenplay
- The Ax (2005) Novel
- Ordo (2004) Novel
- What's the Worst That Could Happen? (2001) Novel
- Payback (1999) Novel
- A Slight Case of Murder (1999) Novel
- Mike Hammer's Mickey Spillane (1998) as Self
- The Gods Must Be Daring (1997) Novel
- Two Much (1995) Novel
- Fallen Angels (1993) Teleplay
- Stepfather 3 (1992) Characters
- The Grifters (1990) Screenplay
- Why Me? (1990) Novel
- Prisoners of Gravity (1989) as Self
- Stepfather 2 (1989) Characters
- The Stepfather (1987) Screenplay
- The Stepfather (1987) Story
- Fatal Confession: A Father Dowling Mystery (1987) Writer
- The Twin (1984) Novel
- Slayground (1984) Novel
- Jimmy the Kid (1982) Novel
- Supertrain (1979) Writer
- Supertrain (1979) Creator
- Hot Stuff (1979) Writer
- Express to Terror (1979) Creator
- Express to Terror (1979) Story
- Come ti rapisco il pupo (1976) Novel
- The Bank Shot (1974) Novel
- The Outfit (1973) Novel
- Cops and Robbers (1973) Writer
- The Hot Rock (1972) Novel
- The Split (1968) Novel
- Point Blank (1967) Novel
- Made in U.S.A (1967) Novel
- The Busy Body (1967) Novel
- Pillaged (1967) Novel
- Le commissaire mène l’enquête (1965) Writer
- The Getaway Face (1963) Novel
Frequently Asked Questions
What movies or TV shows is Donald E. Westlake best known for?
Donald E. Westlake is widely recognized for notable roles and projects including Play Dirty (2025), No Other Choice (2025), The Actor (2025), Parker (2013).
When and where was Donald E. Westlake born?
Donald E. Westlake was born on July 12, 1933 in Brooklyn, New York City, New York, USA. They passed away on December 31, 2008.
How many credits does Donald E. Westlake have?
Donald E. Westlake has accumulated over 44 film and television credits across a career spanning from 1963 to 2025.
What is Donald E. Westlake's background in cinema and television?
Donald Edwin Westlake was an American writer born on July 12, 1933, in Brooklyn, New York City, New York, USA. He specialized in crime fiction and wrote over a hundred novels and non-fiction books. Westlake was a three-time Edgar Award winner and was named a Grand Master by the Mystery Writers of America in 1993. He di...
Donald E. Westlake by the numbers
Age in their best-rated roles
- Prisoners of Gravity (1989) as Self — aged about 55
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