Fannie Hurst was an American novelist and screenwriter born on October 19, 1885, in Hamilton, Ohio. She gained fame in the early 20th century for her works that often explored themes of love, social issues, and the lives of women. Some of her notable novels include Back Street and Imitation of Life, which were later adapted into successful films. Hurst's writing was characterized by its emotional depth and focus on the struggles of everyday people. Throughout her career, she published over 30 novels and numerous short stories, contributing significantly to American literature and cinema until her death on February 23, 1968.