Noel Coward was a British playwright, composer, director, actor and singer. He was known for his wit, flamboyance, and what was later named the 'Cowardly style' of comedy. He wrote more than 50 plays during his career, including Private Lives, Blithe Spirit, and Hay Fever. He also wrote songs, poems, novels, and short stories. Coward was knighted in 1970 for his contributions to the performing arts.