Novelist Ira Levin Dies at 78

Posted by Sandy Mitchell Nov 14, 2007

Levin began his literary career in 1953 with "A Kiss before Dying," which won an Edgar Award. He followed that success with "Rosemary's Baby," "Stepford Wives," and "The Boys from Brazil," among others. Virtually all of his novels have been made into films, some of them twice.

He only penned seven novels in four decades, but all were bestsellers. His literary agent told the "New York Times" Tuesday that his books sold tens of thousands of copies worldwide. He won a second Edgar for his long-running play, "Deathtrap," which was also made into a movie.

Mr. Levin was born and raised in New York City, where he lived most of his life. He was married twice and is survived by three sons, a sister, and three grandchildren.