老舍 (Lao She) was a prominent Chinese writer born on February 3, 1899, in Beijing. He is best known for his novels, plays, and essays that often depict the lives of ordinary people in Beijing. His most famous work, 骆驼祥子 (Rickshaw Boy), explores the struggles of a rickshaw puller in the city during the early 20th century. Lao She was also a playwright, with notable works like 茶馆 (Teahouse), which reflects the social changes in China. He received several awards for his contributions to literature and was recognized for his ability to blend humor with social commentary. Lao She passed away on August 24, 1966.