Learn About Margaret Mitchell: Age, Birthdate, Zodiac Sign & More

Early Life and Childhood

Margaret Mitchell was born on August 11, 1900, in Atlanta, Georgia. She was the daughter of Mary Isabel Stephens, a suffragist, and Eugene Muse Mitchell, an attorney. As a child, Mitchell was known for her adventurous spirit and tomboyish ways. When she was just three years old, her dress caught on fire, leading her mother to start dressing her in boys' pants. This earned her the nickname of Jimmy, inspired by the popular comic strip character Little Jimmy.

Passion for Writing

From a young age, Mitchell showed a talent for storytelling. She wrote her first novella, Lost Laysen, during her adolescent years. Despite not being published until nearly a century later, this early work showcased Mitchell's vivid imagination and skill with words. It was clear that writing was her true passion.

Becoming a Literary Sensation

In 1936, Mitchell achieved literary stardom with the publication of her novel Gone with the Wind. The book, set during the American Civil War, became an instant bestseller and earned Mitchell both a National Book Award and a Pulitzer Prize. The success of the novel was further solidified with the release of the critically acclaimed film adaptation in 1939, starring Vivien Leigh as the fiery Scarlett O'Hara and Clark Gable as the dashing Rhett Butler.

Personal Life

Despite her professional success, Mitchell's personal life was tumultuous. She was briefly married to Berrien K. Upshaw before meeting John R. Marsh, who would become her second husband. The couple had no children of their own, but Mitchell found fulfillment in her writing and in the companionship of her husband.

Legacy and Influence

Margaret Mitchell's impact on literature cannot be overstated. Her writing was heavily influenced by one of her favorite authors, Charles Dickens, and she is remembered for her vivid storytelling and strong female characters. Although she only published one book during her lifetime, Gone with the Wind remains a classic of American literature and a testament to Mitchell's talent as a writer.

Final Years

Tragically, Mitchell's life was cut short when she was struck by a speeding car while crossing Peachtree Street in Atlanta on August 16, 1949. She succumbed to her injuries five days later, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire readers and writers to this day.

  • Birth: August 11, 1900 in Atlanta, Georgia
  • Profession: Novelist