Éric-Emmanuel Schmitt is a distinguished Franco-Belgian playwright, short story writer, novelist, and film director, widely celebrated for his contributions to contemporary literature and drama. Born on March 28, 1960, in Sainte-Foy-les-Lyon, France, Schmitt has enjoyed a prolific career, with his plays being staged in over fifty countries around the globe.

Schmitt's educational journey is as impressive as his literary career. He studied at the Lycée du Parc in Lyon before being accepted at the prestigious École normale supérieure in Paris (1980–1985), where he earned a doctorate in philosophy, focusing on "Diderot and metaphysics." He then spent three years teaching in Cherbourg and at the University of Chambéry.

Coming from Alsatian extraction, both of Schmitt's parents were physical education teachers. Despite growing up under the influence of his parents' atheist outlook, Schmitt has gone through a profound personal journey from agnosticism to declaring himself a Christian. This transformation has significantly influenced his writings and perspectives.

Éric-Emmanuel Schmitt's initial fame came as a scriptwriter for the stage. His debut work marked the beginning of a highly successful career in literature and theater, making him one of the most translated and performed French language authors in the world.