Zoë Akins

Zoë Akins (1886-1958) was an influential American playwright, poet, and screenwriter, renowned for her contributions to early 20th-century theatre and film. Born in Humansville, Missouri, she initially delved into poetry and journalism before turning her talents to playwriting. Akins experienced her first major success with "The Magical City" (1919), though it was her 1935 stage adaptation of Edith Wharton’s novel "The Old Maid" that earned her the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1935. Her work was characterized by sophisticated dialogue, compelling characterizations, and a keen observation of social mores.

Akins also made notable contributions to Hollywood, penning screenplays which faithfully translated her knack for drama to the silver screen. Among her successes were the adaptations of “Morning Glory” (1933) and “How to Marry a Millionaire” (1953). Despite facing the gender biases of her era, her work showed remarkable versatility and depth, balancing commercial appeal with literary merit.

Akins's legacy endures through her significant body of work that succinctly captured the complexities of human relationships and the social dynamics of her time. She died in Los Angeles in 1958, leaving behind a lasting imprint on both American theatre and film.