Cornelia Otis Skinner was an American actress, author, and playwright. She was born in Chicago in 1899 and was best known for her one-woman shows, which she wrote and performed herself. She was also a prolific writer, having written several books and plays. Her most famous work was the play 'The Pleasure of His Company, ' which was adapted into a film in 1961. She died in 1979 at the age of 80.