Henry Farrell (1920–2006) was an American novelist and screenwriter whose work made a significant impact on mid-twentieth-century gothic horror and psychological suspense. Born in September 1920, Farrell developed a career centered on dark, atmospheric storytelling that explored the unsettling depths of human relationships and psychological decay.\n\nHe is most widely recognized for his landmark 1960 novel, What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?. The gothic horror story, which delves into the toxic, codependent relationship between two aging sister actresses in a decaying Hollywood mansion, became a cultural phenomenon. Its success was further cemented by the highly acclaimed 1962 film adaptation starring Hollywood legends Bette Davis and Joan Crawford, which helped popularize the "psycho-biddy" or "Grande Dame Guignol" subgenre in cinema.\n\nIn addition to his success as a novelist, Farrell worked as a screenwriter, contributing to the suspense and thriller genres. His storytelling legacy remains closely tied to his ability to craft tense, claustrophobic narratives that expose the macabre elements of domestic life and fame. Farrell passed away in March 2006, leaving behind a legacy as a master of psychological dread.
