Oscar-winning King's Speech screenwriter dies

David Seidler won the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay for The King's Speech in 2011

David Seidler, renowned for his award-winning screenplay The King's Speech, has passed away at 86.

The London-born screenwriter, who had a stammer, brought King George VI's true story of overcoming speech impediments to life in the acclaimed 2010 film, starring Colin Firth.

Colin Firth and Helena Bonham Carter in the 2010 film The King’s Speech.

Seidler also adapted the story for the stage, debuting in the West End in 2012.

In 2011, he dedicated his Oscar win to "all the stutterers around the world," expressing gratitude to the Queen and humorously referencing her reaction to his use of the F-word.

Seidler's manager, Jeff Aghassi, confirmed his passing, noting that Seidler was in New Zealand, indulging in his passion for fly fishing.

David Seidler (fifth from left) stands next to actors including Colin Firth (third from left) at the 68th Annual Golden Globe Awards at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in January 2011

Born in 1937, Seidler began his entertainment career with Japanese monster-movie translations and later worked on TV series like Adventures of the Seaspray.

Among his notable works are The King And I, Quest For Camelot, and the biopic Onassis: The Richest Man In The World.

However, it was The King's Speech that defined his legacy, receiving accolades like two Bafta awards and a Humanitas Prize in 2011.

The stage adaptation of The King's Speech has seen global success, translated into multiple languages and performed across four continents, with plans for Broadway cut short by the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020.

Despite his passing, Seidler leaves behind a rich legacy, with ongoing projects in documentary, limited series, and feature films.