Sidney Sheldon, known by most people today for his best-selling novels, has died from complications from pneumonia. The popular writer however actually spanned Broadway Theater, Hollywood movies and television before becoming a novelist at the age of 50.

Sheldon's novels, "Rage of Angels," "The Other Side of Midnight," "Master of the Game" and "If Tomorrow Comes," were page turners. His books featured strong women characters, ruthless men, and extensive of sensuality.

That led to his being popular with women who purchased many of his novels. Sheldon insisted it was due to the fact that he wrote about strong, capable women who still managed to maintain their femininity.

Unpopular with critics, Sheldon had different work habits than the traditional writer. Instead of using a typewriter or word processor, Sheldon simply dictated his stories into a tape machine or to a secretary who then typed them up. The author would then review his work the following day and dictate another 50 pages.

After World War II, Sheldon wrote for Broadway. During one period he had three musicals running simultaneously: a rewrite of "The Merry Widow," "Jackpot" and "Dream with Music." He later went on to win a Tony award for "Redhead."

He went to Hollywood where he began writing screenplays. His very first work, "The Bachelor and the Bobbysoxer," earned him an Academy Award for best original screenplay.

Later Sheldon turned to television. He created and produced the comedy, "I Dream of Jeannie," starring Barbara Eden. During the last year of the comedy series, Sheldon tried his hand at writing novels.

Sheldon was 89.