LONDON, Dec. 25 (UPI) -- British playwright Harold Pinter, whose works earned him a Nobel Prize in Literature in 2005, has died at the age of 78, his agent confirmed Thursday.
Pinter, whose works included "The Homecoming" and "The Caretaker," died Wednesday after a lengthy battle with cancer of the esophagus, The Times of London reported.
"He was a unique figure in British theater, BBC Creative Director Alan Yentob said. "He has dominated the theater scene since the 1950s."
In addition to his notable literary works, the London native was an outspoken political activist. He was a recent critic of the Iraq War, The Times said.
The Daily Mail said the academy tabbed with awarding the Nobel Prize described Pinter as "generally seen as the foremost representative of British drama in the second half of the 20th century."
Pinter is survived by his wife, historian and author, Antonia Fraser.
"He was a great, and it was a privilege to live with him for over 33 years. He will never be forgotten," Fraser said.
