Donn Pearce is an American author and screenwriter, best known for his novel Cool Hand Luke, published in 1965. The book tells the story of a rebellious prisoner and explores themes of freedom and individuality. It gained significant popularity and was later adapted into a successful film in 1967, further cementing Pearce's reputation. Born in 1938, Pearce's experiences as a former prisoner of war and his time in the military influenced his writing. He has also worked in various capacities in the film industry, contributing to screenplays and other projects throughout his career.