A 20th-century American author of horror fiction, he spooked readers with classic novels like Rosemary's Baby and The Stepford Wives. Both of these titles, as well as several of his other novels, were made into films.
He began writing for television while he was still in school. A screenplay he sold to NBC became an episode of the anthology thriller series, Lights Out.
Although he wrote only seven novels over four decades, nearly all of his works received great acclaim.
He was married twice. With his first wife, he had three children.
Nicole Kidman starred in the 2004 film adaptation of his classic work, The Stepford Wives.
