Wednesday
05Nov2008
Michael Crichton: 1942 - 2008
Wednesday, November 5, 2008 at 11:56AM
Michael Crichton has passed away at the age of
66, following a long but private bout with cancer.
His website issued a release earlier today detailing Crichton's professional and personal accomplishments, and noted that a funeral service for the bestselling author is expected, but those details will not be divulged to the general public.
"While the world knew him as a great storyteller that challenged our preconceived notions about the world around us -- and entertained us all while doing so -- his wife Sherri, daughter Taylor, family and friends knew Michael Crichton as a devoted husband, loving father and generous friend who inspired each of us to strive to see the wonders of our world through new eyes. He did this with a wry sense of humor that those who were privileged to know him personally will never forget. "Through his books, Michael Crichton served as an inspiration to students of all ages, challenged scientists in many fields, and illuminated the mysteries of the world in a way we could all understand. "He will be profoundly missed by those whose lives he touched, but he leaves behind the greatest gifts of a thirst for knowledge, the desire to understand, and the wisdom to use our minds to better our world."Crichton is perhaps best known for the novel Jurassic Park, which spawned several films, but he also wrote and directed Westworld and Coma back in the 1970s, and the novel that began his film career, The Andromeda Strain, released when Crichton was only 26.
In addition to being a prolific and influential science fiction writer, Crichton was a medical doctor who helped create ER, the longest-running drama on television.
Reader Comments (2)
I know I'll catch hell for this, but Twister was my favorite Crichton affair. That movie has never gotten the respect it deserves...
Then again, I'm a fan of Renny Harlin's Cutthroat Island, so what do I know!
RIP Mr. Crichton! All 6'9" of you!
This saddens me tremendously. Thanks for posting about this. Michael Crichton was my favorite author growing up and he was the inspiration for my desire to write medical novels that teach people while entertaining them.