Vicki Baum

Vicki Baum was born Hedwig Baum in Vienna, Austria-Hungary, to a Jewish family. Her father, a banker, was apparently a bit of a philanderer and a "tyrant" according to Baum herself. Despite a rather tumultuous upbringing, she began her career as a harpist, playing in orchestras in Germany, before turning her talents to writing. Because, why stick to just one impressive artistic endeavor when you can conquer two?

Her biggest hit, "Menschen im Hotel" (published in 1929), became "Grand Hotel" in Hollywood, sweeping the Academy Award for Best Picture in 1932. This cinematic triumph, starring Greta Garbo and Joan Crawford, made Baum a household name, proving that sometimes all it takes is a good story about interconnected strangers in a luxurious setting to get the kvell-ball rolling. She later moved to the United States, becoming a citizen in 1938, escaping the impending Nazi threat.

While her Jewish identity wasn't central to her public persona or her work – her stories were more about the human condition and grand hotels than gefilte fish – her origin is undeniable. Her later career in Hollywood was prolific, but she never quite recaptured the stratospheric success of "Grand Hotel." A true literary talent who knew how to pen a compelling narrative, even if she preferred to keep her heritage in the background.