Kevin Barry Laffan (24 May 1922, Reading, Berkshire – 11 March 2003, London) was an English playwright, screenwriter, author, actor and stage director. Laffan is best known for creating the ITV soap opera Emmerdale Farm, now titled Emmerdale.Raised in a family of fourteen children, Laffan's Catholic upbringing formed the inspiration for many of his plays.