Sir John Mortimer is a playwright, novelist and former practising barrister. During the war he worked with the Crown Film Unit and published a number of novels, before turning to theatre. He has written many film scripts, and plays for both radio and television.

He lives with his wife and their youngest daughter in what was once his father's house in the Chilterns. He received a knighthood for his services to the arts in the 1998 Queen's Birthday Honours list.

Born 21 April 1923, he died 16 January 2009 aged 85.