Pierre Boulle

Pierre François Marie Louis Boulle (20 February 1912 – 30 January 1994) was a French writer. He was born in Avignon, France. Boulle wrote many novels and short stories in French. Two stories became popular English language movies: "Planet of the Apes" and "The Bridge on the River Kwai". Boulle won the award for Best Adapted Screenplay and BAFTA Award for Best British Screenplay for "The Bridge over the River Kwai". He is said to have given the shortest acceptance speech in Academy Award history, the single word, "Merci", which means "Thank you".
Boulle served in the army in World War II.
Boulle died in Paris on 30 January 1994, at age 81.