Origins & Early Life

Sidney Sheldon (February 11, 1917 – January 30, 2007) was an American writer. He was prominent in the 1940s and 50s, first working on Broadway plays, and then in motion pictures, notably writing the successful comedy The Bachelor and the Bobby-Soxer (1947), which earned him an Oscar in 1948. He went on to work in television. Over the course of 20 years, he created The Patty Duke Show (1963–66), I Dream of Jeannie (1965–70), and Hart to Hart (1979–84).

Pivotal Works & Achievements

After turning 50, he began writing best-selling romantic suspense novels, such as The Other Side of Midnight (1973), Master of the Game (1982), and Rage of Angels (1980). Sheldon's novels have sold over 300 million copies in 51 languages. He is consistently cited as one of the top 10 best-selling fiction writers of all time. Sheldon was born Sidney Schechtel in Chicago, Illinois. His parents, of Ukrainian Jewish ancestry, were Ascher "Otto" Schechtel (1894–1967), manager of a jewelry store, and Natalie Marcus.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

At age 10, Sidney made his first sale, $5 for a poem. During the Great Depression, he worked at a variety of jobs, and after graduating from East High School in Denver, Colorado, he attended Northwestern University...

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Arthur C. Clarke — Contemporary (Born in 1917) (1917): Pioneering science fiction writer, futurist, and popularizer of space travel.
• Auguste Rodin — Contemporary (Died in 1917) (1917): Founder of modern sculpture, celebrated for naturalism and emotional depth.
• Carson McCullers — Contemporary (Born in 1917) (1917): American novelist known for Southern Gothic explorations of isolation and outcasts.
• Albert Ellis — Contemporary (Died in 2007) (2007): Pioneering figure in psychotherapy, founder of Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT)
• Alfred Peet — Contemporary (Died in 2007) (2007): Dutch-American founder credited with starting the US specialty coffee revolution.
• André Gorz — Contemporary (Died in 2007) (2007): Austrian-French philosopher known for critiques of work and political ecology.
• Antony Flew — Shared historical date (02-11 · Born) (1923): English analytic and evidentialist philosopher known for his critique of religion.
• Brandy Norwood — Shared historical date (02-11 · Born) (1979): Iconic R&B vocalist, songwriter, and actress known for her vocal prowess.
• Barbara W. Tuchman — Shared historical date (01-30 · Born) (1912): Pulitzer Prize-winning historian renowned for vivid accounts of pivotal moments in world history.
• Bobby Hull — Shared historical date (01-30 · Died) (2023): Iconic 'Golden Jet' of hockey, celebrated for speed and scoring prowess.
• 1917 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1917
• February 11 (02-11) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on February 11
• 2007 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 2007
• January 30 (01-30) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on January 30