Austrian-Jewish author and Playwright associated with the Decadent movement, he is known for controversial works that denounce anti-Semitism and openly explore themes of sexuality. He is best known for his 1926 novella, Dream Story.
He studied Medicine at the University of Vienna before pursuing writing full-time.
His play, Reigen, which was made into a French film in 1950, deals with highly sexual themes. Anti-Semitic critics at one time alleged that the piece was a work of erotic entertainment.
He married Olga Gussmann, an actress/singer, in 1903. The couple raised two children: Heinrich and Lili.
Sigmund Freud praised Schnitzler's works for their open investigation of sexuality.
