Michael Crichton dead at 66

[FoolKiller]

http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=D948URK81&show_article=1

Family: Michael Crichton dies of cancer
Nov 5 02:58 PM US/Eastern
By HILLEL ITALIE
AP National Writer 31 Comments

Michael Crichton, the million-selling author of such historic and prehistoric science thrillers as "Jurassic Park," "Timeline" and "The Andromeda Strain," has died of cancer, his family said.
He died Tuesday in Los Angeles at age 66 after a long battle with the illness.

Chrichton was a brand-name author, known for his stories of disaster and systematic breakdown, such as the rampant microbe of "The Andromeda Strain" or dinosaurs running amok in "Jurassic Park," one of his many books that became major Hollywood movies.

"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," his family said in a statement.

The 6-foot-9-inch author was also a screenwriter and filmmaker, earning producing and writing credits for the film versions of many of his titles. He also created the TV hospital series "ER" in 1994.

In recent years, he was the rare writer to get on well with President Bush, perhaps because of his skepticism about global warming, which Crichton addressed in the 2004 novel, "State of Favor." Crichton's views were strongly condemned by environmentalists, who alleged that the author was hurting efforts to pass legislation to reduce emissions of carbon dioxide.

A new novel by Crichton had been tentatively scheduled to come next month, but publisher HarperCollins said the book was postponed indefinitely because of his illness.

"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," his family said.

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,447384,00.html

"Jurassic Park" author and "ER" creator Michael Crichton died Tuesday at age 66, according to a statement from his family.

The novelist passed away in Los Angeles after a private battle with cancer. The family said his death was unexpected in a statement available on his Web site.

"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," his family said.

"He did this with a wry sense of humor that those who were privileged to know him personally will never forget."

A private funeral service is planned, a publicist for Crichton told FOXNews.com, but he declined to offer further comment.

Director Steven Spielberg told FOXNews.com that Crichton's "talent out-scaled even his own dinosaurs of 'Jurassic Park.'"

Crichton and Spielberg became friends when Crichton sold "The Andromeda Strain" to Robert Wide at Universal Studios, where Spielberg had just been hired as a contract television director.

"My first assignment was to show [him] around the Universal lot," Spielberg told FOXNews.com in a statement. "We became friends and professionally 'Jurassic Park,' 'ER' and 'Twister' followed."

"He was the greatest at blending science with big theatrical concepts, which is what gave credibility to dinosaurs again walking the earth," Spielberg told FOXNews.com. "There is no one in the wings that will ever take his place."

Indeed, both Crichton's personal and professional stories were remarkable.

According to his publisher Random House, the Chicago-born author attended Harvard University, where he graduated with the highest honors. He paid his way through medical school by writing pseudonymous thrillers and after winning an Edgar Award for 1968's "A Case of Need," he wrote the bestseller "The Andromeda Strain" — all before graduation. He later pursued postgraduate studies at the Salk Institute before becoming a full-time writer.

In addition to "Jurassic Park," Crichton also wrote "The Lost World," "Sphere" and "Disclosure."

In recent years, he was the rare writer to get on well with President George W. Bush, perhaps because of his skepticism about global warming, which Crichton addressed in the 2004 novel, "State of Fear." Crichton's views were strongly condemned by environmentalists, who alleged that the author was hurting efforts to pass legislation to reduce emissions of carbon dioxide.

A new novel by Crichton had been tentatively scheduled to come out next month, but publisher HarperCollins said the book was postponed indefinitely because of his illness.

Rest in Peace.

 

[91hondawagon]

He was an incredible author. Rest in peace, Mr. Crichton.

 

[Omnis]

Nooooo. I loved his ideas on the evolution of media for the future. RIP, Michael Crichton.

 

[Duke]

Coincidentally, I'm reading Timeline right now. Although many of his books are a bit formulaic, he's got a storytelling knack that is undeniable. While I enjoy his way-out technological ideas, frankly I think his best stories are those that are grounded in the real world, such as Rising Sun and Disclosure.

Thanks for many hours of reading enjoyment, Dr. Crichton. I kind of can't believe you were only 66.

 

[McLaren]

What an awful shame! I don't know how many times I've read Jurassic Park> He just did such an amazing job writing it.

R.I.P. Michael. Maybe I'll read it again in his memory.

 

[TheCracker]

Coincidentally, I'm reading Timeline right now.

That's a good book/story 👍 - avoid the film at all costs. 'Stars' Paul Walker.

 

[FoolKiller]

That's a good book/story 👍 - avoid the film at all costs. 'Stars' Paul Walker.

Yeah. The book is incredible at combining science fiction and historical accuracy, while the film is good at nothing.

I will miss his books. I loved many of them. And ER was incredible before he stepped away from it.