Fran Ross

Fran Ross (June 25, 1935 – September 17, 1985) was an American writer best known for her 1974 novel Oreo. She briefly wrote comedy for Richard Pryor.

Early childhood Born on June 25, 1935, in Philadelphia, she was the eldest daughter of Gerald Ross, a welder, and Bernetta Bass Ross, a store clerk. Recognized for her scholastic, artistic and athletic talents, she earned a scholarship to Temple University after graduating from Overbrook High School at the age of 15.

Career Ross graduated from Temple University in 1956 with a B. S. degree in Communications, Journalism and Theatre.

Ross also wrote articles for magazines such as Essence, Titters and Playboy, and then got work on The Richard Pryor Show. She was unable to complete a second novel, due to difficulties supporting herself on this work. She worked in media and publishing until she died of cancer on September 17, 1985, in New York City.

Oreo was rediscovered and republished in 2000 by Northeastern University Press, with a new introduction by Harryette Mullen. Mat Johnson has hailed Ross's work as a masterpiece that was ahead of its time. Oreo was republished again in 2015 by New Directions and in England in 2018 by Picador.