Sam Shepard was an American playwright, actor, and director, born on November 5, 1943, in Fort Sheridan, Illinois. He is best known for his influential plays that explore themes of family, identity, and the American experience. Some of his notable works include True West, Buried Child, and Fool for Love, which have earned him numerous awards, including the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1979. In addition to his work in theater, Shepard had a successful career in film, appearing in movies such as The Right Stuff and Black Hawk Down. He was also a prolific writer, publishing several books of short stories, essays, and poetry. Shepard passed away on July 27, 2017, leaving a lasting impact on American theater and literature.