"Amadeus," "Equus" playwright Peter Shaffer dies at 90

- British playwright Sir Peter Shaffer, who won an Oscar for Amadeus and wrote Equus, has died at the age of 90, BBC News reports.

Sir Peter was on a visit to Ireland and died with his niece Cressida at his side, his agent said.

He had won Tony Awards for both Amadeus and Equus, which was later revived with Harry Potter actor Daniel Radcliffe in his West End lead debut.

National Theatre director Rufus Norris described him as "one of the great writers of his generation".

He added: "The National Theatre was enormously lucky to have had such a fruitful and creative relationship with him. The plays he leaves behind are an enduring legacy."

His other plays included Black Comedy, Lettice and Lovage, The Royal Hunt of the Sun and Five Finger Exercise.