Michael Crichton Passes Away At 66
Very sad news to report … famed author Michael Crichton, who penned the novels The Andromeda Strain, Congo and most famously Jurassic Park (among many others), has passed away at the age of 66. Unbeknown to me and I’m sure many others, Crichton privately battled cancer and has sadly lost that battle:
Best selling author Michael Crichton died unexpectedly in Los Angeles after what his reps call a “courageous and private battle against cancer.” Crichton, best known for such books as “Jurassic Park” and “Disclosure,” also created the hit TV series “ER.” His rep released the following statement:
“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. Michael’s family respectfully asks for privacy during this difficult time. A private funeral service is expected, but no further details will be released to the public.”
This is very sad news. Michael Crichton is one of those popular authors that everyone knows about but prolly doesn’t spend much time thinking about. His amazingly creative work Jurassic Park (and its sequel Lost World) sparked the imagination of Steven Spielberg who managed to turn Crichton’s vision of the rebirth of dinosaurs into a somewhat believable reality. I’ll never forget how stunned I was that Crichton’s novel could so successfully become “real” on the big screen. To be honest, I’ve read other Crichton books but none of them really captured my attention. It should also be noted that Michael Crichton’s talents were not merely of the literary kind as he was the creator of the hit NBC drama ER. That said, I know that he has legions of fans who I’m sure are mourning his loss today. I think we all join those who mourn the loss of such a talent. My thoughts and condolences go out to his family today.
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November 5th, 2008 at 10:19 am
Very sad news… my thoughts are with his family.
My first viewing of Jurassic Park will always remain a classic part of my childhood.
November 5th, 2008 at 10:21 am
RIP Michael Crichton. Eaters of the Dead will remain one of my favorites.
November 5th, 2008 at 10:25 am
Very, very sad news. One of my best friends is a HUGE Michael Crichton fan and I know he will be devastated. A big loss…
November 5th, 2008 at 10:45 am
I liked him until he wrote that ridiculously untrue book about the global warming “conspiracy”. But RIP, Michael. You were a very talented writer.
November 5th, 2008 at 11:00 am
Michael Crichton’s death makes me so sad. I have spent countless hours with him in his novels…and the time in between waiting in anticipation of the next adventure. RIP
November 5th, 2008 at 11:14 am
[...] (among many others), has passed away at the age of 66. Unbeknown to me and I’m sure many others, Read More|||LOS ANGELES, California (CNN) — Michael Crichton, a best-selling author, died in Los Angeles on [...]
November 5th, 2008 at 11:14 am
I loved Sphere. At a time when I was not at all into reading, I picked it up out of boredom and then read it in a day and a half! I remember holding pizza in my left hand and the book in my right hand. Sigh…rest in peace M.C., rest in peace!
November 5th, 2008 at 11:19 am
[...] (among many others), has passed away at the age of 66. Unbeknown to me and I’m sure many others, Read More|||LOS ANGELES, California (CNN) — Michael Crichton, a best-selling author, died in Los Angeles on [...]
November 5th, 2008 at 3:04 pm
i read his novel “prey” about a million times because it was SO.DARN.GOOD. he was a great author; a truly huge loss to the writer community. Ill make sure to pick up some other books by him (sadly, none of his book are in my huge ap lit reading list :/)
November 5th, 2008 at 5:20 pm
Very sad indeed. So many of his books were such good sci-fi! Andromeda Strain will always be one of my favorites.
November 5th, 2008 at 6:23 pm
Iagree with Dawn in that seeing Jurassic Park with my family when I was little is one of my favorite memories. I have read a dozen of his books and spent countless hours caring for the characters on ER. He will be sorely missed.