Sidney Sheldon (11 February 1917 – 30 January 2007) was an American writer and producer whose career spanned Broadway theater, motion pictures, television, and novels. He became one of the world’s most popular fiction authors, selling over 300 million copies of his books, which were translated into more than 50 languages.

Born in Chicago, Illinois, Sheldon began writing at a young age and worked in Hollywood during the 1930s and 1940s. He won an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay for The Bachelor and the Bobby-Soxer (1947) and later created successful television series such as I Dream of Jeannie, Hart to Hart, and The Patty Duke Show. At age 50, he turned to novel writing, debuting with The Naked Face (1970).

Sheldon became known for his fast-paced, suspenseful novels that often featured strong female protagonists, glamorous settings, and intricate plots. Bestsellers like Master of the Game (1982), If Tomorrow Comes (1985), and The Other Side of Midnight (1973) cemented his reputation as a master storyteller. He continued writing until his death in 2007, leaving a legacy across multiple entertainment mediums.