Thomas Leo "Tom" Clancy Jr. was an American author, best known for his technically detailed espionage and military science storylines set during and in the aftermath of the Cold War. Seventeen of his novels have been bestsellers, and more than 100 million copies of his books have been sold. His name was also used on screenplays written by ghostwriters, nonfiction books on military subjects, occasionally with co-authors, and video games.

Originally an insurance agent, Clancy launched his literary career in 1984 when he sold his first military thriller novel The Hunt for Red October for $5,000, published by the small academic Naval Institute Press of Annapolis, Maryland. The Hunt for Red October, Patriot Games (1987), Clear and Present Danger (1989), and The Sum of All Fears (1991) have been turned into commercially successful films. Tom Clancy's works also inspired games such as the Ghost Recon, Rainbow Six, The Division, and Splinter Cell series.

He was a part-owner of his hometown Major League Baseball team, the Baltimore Orioles, and vice-chairman of their community activities and public affairs committees.