Photo of Ira Levin
  Ira Levin (1972)Credit: Phillippe Halsman
 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) 

Who is Ira Levin

Ira Levin (1929-2007) was one of the most versatile American writers of contemporary times, whose genre-defining works (Rosemary's Baby, The Stepford Wives, The Boys from Brazil) helped shape popular culture. Beyond sustaining two entirely distinct careers – one as a best-selling novelist, the other as a full-tilt Broadway playwright (Deathtrap, No Time For Sergeants, Veronica's Room) — he was conversant in nearly every genre, from suspense to comedy, drama to fantasy, science-fiction to musicals.   (Full Bio)


What did he write?

Some two-dozen novels, plays, short stories, and early TV plays – among them Rosemary's Baby, The Stepford Wives, Deathtrap, and The Boys from Brazil. Check out the "Works" links from the navigation menu above, or view the full index of his works here.


How do you pronounce his name?

EYE-ruh LEV-in


Is this his official site?

Yes – IraLevin.org is Ira Levin's official website; it's been online since 2009.


Did Levin write the screen adaptations of Rosemary's Baby, The Stepford Wives, Deathtrap, etc.?

No. Levin wrote none of the film (nor television) adaptations of his own works. While he often had the contractual right to do so, he explained: "I always felt it was better to go on to something else, rather than do the same thing over again simply because another medium wanted it."


Is _______________ a legit adaptation/remake/sequel etc. of _______________ ?

If it is – you'll hear about it here.


I'm a researcher; is the Levin Archive publicly accessible?

The archive is not publicly accessible at this time. That said, if you have a legit scholarly or cultural inquiry, feel free to direct it to us. If it's something we can accommodate, we'll do our best, though we can't reply to, nor grant, all requests by default.


What are some things I don't know about Ira Levin?

Anything else?
He's considered by many to have helped create and/or cultivate the following genres/tropes:
  • Modern/Elevated/Social (etc.) Horror (Rosemary's Baby)
  • Feminist Horror (Rosemary's Baby, The Stepford Wives, Sliver)
  • Social/Domestic Sci-Fi (The Stepford Wives)
  • Meta-Thrillers (Deathtrap)
  • Dark Suburbia (The Stepford Wives)
  • Daylight Horror (The Stepford Wives, Rosemary's Baby, A Kiss Before Dying)
  • Clean-Cut Serial Killers (A Kiss Before Dying)
  • Hi-Tech Voyeurism (Sliver)
  • Young Adult Dystopia (This Perfect Day)