Anne Rice was an American author best known for her gothic fiction, particularly her series of novels titled The Vampire Chronicles. Born on October 4, 1941, in New Orleans, Louisiana, she gained fame with her first book, Interview with the Vampire, published in 1976. Her works often explore themes of immortality, sexuality, and the human condition. Throughout her career, Rice wrote numerous novels, including The Witching Hour and The Tale of the Body Thief. She was known for her rich, descriptive prose and complex characters. Rice's influence on the vampire genre has been significant, inspiring many adaptations in film and television. She passed away on December 11, 2021.