The Biography

Fannie Flagg (born Patricia Neal; September 21, 1944) is an American actress, comedian, author, and screenwriter. She is best known for her bestselling 1987 novel Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe. She also adapted the screenplay for the 1991 film Fried Green Tomatoes. She was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay; supporting actress Jessica Tandy was also nominated. The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) gave the adaptation and award for best feature film with lesbian content. As of 2026, her most recent acting credit is in 1999. However, she is still publishing novels, including a sequel to Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe.