World famous author and screenwriter Sidney Sheldon died in California Tuesday at the age of 89 from complications related to pneumonia.
His 18 popular novels sold over 300 million copies and were translated into 51 languages. As a result he was listed in "'The Guiness Book of Records' as 'the worlds most translated author.'"
What's not known as much about Sheldon is that he didn't start his fiction writing career until after he was 50-years-old. He began as a screenwriter for the majors, writing for television and Broadway at first. He was employed by both Paramount and MGM.
Eventually he received his big chance when he won an Academy Award for "The Bachelor and the Bobby Soxer" starring Cary Grant and Myrna Loy, for original screenplay.
He was the screenwriter for TV hits like "The Patty Duke Show" and "I Dream of Jeannie." He was also the producer and creator of "Jeannie." Film credits included "Anything Goes," "Easter Parade," and "Annie Get Your Gun."
Sheldon is survived by his wife, Alexandra, a brother Richard, and daughter, Mary.
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