Leonard, Hugh (Pseudonym of John Keyes Byrne) 1926–

Leonard is an Irish playwright, novelist, screenwriter, and television writer. His work blends sharp humor and fond recollections of his native Ireland with a dark view of human nature. Leonard is best known for his play Da, an autobiographical black comedy about his childhood and his father's attitudes and influence. Leonard has been overtly autobiographical in his other work, including the novel Home Before Night. (See also Contemporary Authors, Vol. 102.)