Author, screenwriter, and ER creator Michael Crichton has died unexpectedly after a battle with cancer. Crichton's website reports that Crichton passed away on Tuesday in LA at age 66.
The site has been updated with an "In Memoriam" post that reads in part:
While the world knew him as a great story teller 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 wrote more than 20 bestselling books of fiction and non-fiction — most famously Jurassic Park, which launched a similarly successful movie franchise. He also wrote the screenplays for movies including Twister and Rising Sun. In addition to creating ER, he wrote three episodes in the series' first season (including the pilot) and has been listed as a producer on every single episode.
His family is planning to hold a private memorial service.
Casadei
Kit Heath
JC de CASTELBAJAC
I didn't even know he was sick.
How sad.
1RIP. He has brought much enjoyment to many over the years.
2My thoughts go out to his family. I am very sorry to hear this.
3Only 66?!
4He was one of my absolute favorite authors, he found a way to write biological science fiction that was absolutely fascinating and bone-chillingly plausible. He leaves a void which no other author could fill. May he rest in peace.
5wow - this is really a sad thing - i grew up reading his books and i think that he brought a new perspective to sci-fi/medical stuff as well. i hope that his family and friends are doing ok, and i send my condolences.
6RIP. He has brought much enjoyment to many over the years.
Yes, he will be truly missed. Because of Jaws, I never learned how to swim.
7So sad indeed and my heart and prayers to his soul and family.
8What a loss! His work is amazing. Sad to think how much more he could have done.
9I was so sad to hear this news. Cancer is a horrible disease. But his legacy will live on, he was an amazing writer.
10Sadness
11Very sad and quite a surprise. He leaves an outstanding legacy for all of us aspiring writers out there.
12shocking.
13Black Velveteen, Michael Crichton did not write Jaws, Peter Benchley did, and if you liked the book/movie Jaws, check out the book "Beast."
I am very sad to hear of Mr. Crichton's passing and the statement "...illuminated the mysteries of the world in a way we could all understand." is an understatement. If you consider his early works Sphere, Andromeda Strain, Eaters of the Dead, Terminal Man, Jurassic Park, and then more recent novels, Air Frame, and Prey you realize the immense breadth of his work and knowledge.
Although many scientists, including myself, have often questioned his portrayal of theories and its applications, he inherently provided a unique perspective that stirred up controversy and shined a light on often overlooked topics.
My heart goes out to his friends and family.
14This is a blow. I loved his books, he was an extremely intelligent writer who knew how to make science entertaining. I loved his stuff and will miss him terribly.
Rest in Peace my friend, May you be carried to heaven on the wings of a Pterodactyl.
15So shocking and sad. One of the first novels I ever read was The Andromeda Strain, and one of the first movies I ever saw in theaters was Jurassic Park.
I wish his friends and family well. The world's lost a creative genius.
16This is so sad. One of my favorite authors. And he was involved or connected to some of my favorite movies too. RIP.
17You're right, MicrochipJoel. I got always these two confused!
18Oh man,t his is so sad. I just recently read a ton of his books and so many of them are fantastic. RIP.
19That's too bad. I wonder if he knew how ER was going to end this season--storywise. His passing must make the last season seem a little more final since he created the characters.
20i love michael crichton, he's death is huge loss in the the world of literature. he's my major idol in fiction writing. books he'd written was always the best the world can ask for a sci-fci novel. condolences to crichton family.
comment from: Popcorns and Opinions
21When I heard the news I couldn't believe it! I actually read Jurassic Park in only a couple of days and next was Andromeda Strain.
He was one of the best writers out there and he will be missed.My prayers and condolences go out to his family and friends.
22I started yelling when I read about this on BBC. He's one of my favourite authors and I own around half of his novels.
He also inspired my favourite author (Matthew Reilly) to start writing.
He was too young to die, and his next book has been put on hiatus and probably wont see the light of day even though it had been finished.
23I am deeply saddened by his passing, 66! so young. He was so talented as a story teller, as a writer and he was a good honest man. What would our lives have been like without his talent? He has enriched us all, and we will miss him.
24THis is such a loss to the world of entertainment (tv,movies and literature). I had no idea that he was even sick. I have enjoyed his works for many years. My first experience was Jurassic Park, after watching the movie, I immediately began searching for his books and have read every single one of them. I keep them and go back to re-read them (summer reading). I still enjoy them every time even though I know what is going to happen, that is the test of a true artist. I will miss his stories, he has given me many hours of enjoyment. My heart and prayers go out to his family and friends during this terrible time.
25I didn't even know he was sick! This is tragic news. I only read one of his books (Timeline) and saw Jurassic Park, but he was great at what he did. R.I.P. Crichton.
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