Fannie Flagg, born Patricia Neal on September 21, 1944, in Birmingham, Alabama, is an American actress, comedian, and author known for her distinctive voice and charming portrayal of small-town Southern life.

From an early age, she was encouraged by her family to pursue writing and performance, writing her first play at the age of ten. She began her career in television and comedy, gaining recognition as a semi-regular panelist on the popular game show Match Game during the 1970s and early 1980s and as a writer and performer on the television series Candid Camera.

She also appeared in films such as Five Easy Pieces and Grease, and had roles in TV shows including The New Dick Van Dyke Show and Harper Valley P.T.A. She performed on Broadway in productions like Come Back to the Five and Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean and The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas.

Fannie Flagg is perhaps best known as the author of the 1987 novel Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe, a heartwarming and gently feminist story set in rural Alabama, which was adapted into the acclaimed 1991 film Fried Green Tomatoes.

She co-wrote the screenplay adaptation, earning an Academy Award nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay. Over the years, she has published several other novels often centered on Southern life and strong female characters, reflecting themes of identity, community, and social justice.

She has spoken openly about her struggles with dyslexia, which made writing a challenging pursuit for many years. Beyond her artistic career, she has been a vocal supporter of the Equal Rights Amendment and various social causes.