Leigh Douglass Brackett, a renowned author, was born in 1915 in the vibrant city of Los Angeles. Throughout her illustrious career, she penned numerous captivating short stories and books that delved into the realms of science fiction, earning her the esteemed title of the Queen of Space Opera.
Her remarkable talent did not go unnoticed, as Hollywood director Howard Hawks was so impressed by one of her novels that he summoned her to collaborate with the celebrated author William Faulkner on the script for the iconic film, The Big Sleep, which premiered in 1946. This collaboration marked the beginning of her successful screenwriting career.
Brackett's most notable works in the realm of screenwriting include the 1959 classic, Rio Bravo, and the beloved 1980 film, Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back. Her contributions to these cinematic masterpieces have cemented her legacy as a masterful storyteller.
Tragically, Leigh Douglass Brackett's life was cut short when she succumbed to cancer in 1978 in Lancaster, California. Despite her untimely passing, her remarkable body of work continues to inspire and entertain audiences to this day.