Born in Dothan, Alabama, Robert Harling lived in several Southern towns before his family

settled in Natchitoches, Louisiana when he was twelve. Upon his graduation from

Northwestern University of Louisiana and Tulane Law School, rather than take the bar exam, he

opted to become an actor in New York. After years of productive work as an actor in voice-

overs and commercials, Harling was inspired to write the highly acclaimed stage play, Steel

Magnolias which was based on events from his family life.

Over the years, Harling has become a much sought after screenwriter: other credits include

Soapdish, First Wives Club, and Laws of Attraction.

Currently, Harling is actively involved in creating new live stage projects, including writing the

book for a stage musical version of Soapdish, and he is writing a play set in his Louisiana home

called The Strangers Room.