F. Scott Fitzgerald was an American author known for capturing the spirit of the 1920s in his works. He struggled with alcoholism which took a toll on his health and contributed to his early death in 1940 at age 44. His wife Zelda also suffered from mental illness. The 1920s saw the rise of celebrity culture in America as movie stars, athletes, and other public figures became idolized. People emulated the lavish lifestyles of celebrities and were fascinated by their power and status. Fitzgerald's writing reflected and helped define the era of hero worship in the United States during the 1920s.