Mordecai Richler was a Canadian author and screenwriter, born on January 27, 1931, in Montreal, Quebec. He is best known for his novels that often explore themes of identity, culture, and the Jewish experience in Canada. Some of his most famous works include The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz and St. Urbain's Horseman. Richler's writing style is characterized by sharp wit and keen social observation. Throughout his career, he received numerous awards, including the Governor General's Award for Fiction. He was also a prominent figure in Canadian literature, contributing to the country's cultural landscape until his death on July 26, 2001.