Michael Crichton dead at 66

[TK-421]

The family of Michael Crichton, the million-selling author of such historic and prehistoric science fantasies as Jurassic Park, Timeline and The Andromeda Strain, says the author has died in Los Angeles.
Mr. Crichton died Tuesday at age 66. He had been privately battling cancer, his family said.

“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.

 

[Constantine Opal]

RIP Michael.

 

[Werthead]

For some reason the obituaries aren't mentioning his tendency to put real-life people who disagreed with him in his novels as child molestors. Funny, that.

Guy was a bit of a tool and a terrible novelist, but he wrote some great screenplays in his time and he gaves us, through adaptions of his work, some fantastic imagery in movies like Westworld, The Andromeda Strain, The Thirteenth Warrior and, most notably, Jurassic Park.

 

[Pyan]

Sad news.

He was never up there with the best, but could always be relied on to turn out a good, non-demanding story. Airport novel publishers will miss him.

 

[Wiggum]

I've read about 5-6 of his books, nothing astounding, but all very entertaining.

To him and his family :salute

 

[tangaloomababe]

A bit of a shock, not terribly old. I have only read a couple of his books, probably not my favorite author but very readable.

 

[Lioness]

I enjoyed a lot of his books, it's sad he wont write anymore. RIP.

 

[Culhwch]

I know he cops a lot of flack, but I was always a fan. As Pyan said - entertaining and not demanding. There's always room for that. Rest in peace.

 

[ratsy]

It is never good to hear news like this...he was famous world round. I remember reading Terminal man and Andromeda Strain some years ago. Also he created one of the most popular, long running tv shows in ER

 

[Urien]

It's very sad that a man aged only 66 should have died. I enjoyed his work and ideas. I regret that I will not read more.

 

[chopper]

Westworld is one of the all-time classics to my mind; Jurassic Park & Andromeda Strain not too far behind. Not many people can be so lucky as to have such a legacy.

(but we'll leave the rather less appealing Disclosure out of it, eh?)

 

[gully_foyle]

This man had a significant impact on SF and everyday culture. I think his ideas were great and enjoyed the odd book. As said, they were an easy read. Thanks Michael.

 

[KESpires]

I like him for the simple fact that he gave us, through writing the novel, the movie Jurassic Park.

I love that movie.

But challenged scientists/science?

Really?

Nah, not really...

I've got State of Fear sitting on my desk right now. I've only read a few pages. My dad lent it to me. He said it was alright. That's my take of most of his writing.

Oddly he's like the opposite of Stephen King. I like King's novels and most of the movies are very disappointing (except the Green Mile, Mist, and Stand By Me). Crichton seems to be reversed. I can't read his works but they translate well to the screen.

Hell, I even liked Twister a lot.

 

[SpaceShip]

Sad news. Rest in peace Michael.

 

[The Procrastinator]

What a shame! Let's raise a glass to Michael Crichton, who died too young.

 

[iansales]

Crichton's books were potboilers, and he used his popularity to push some seriously wrong and damaging information about climate change. And Disclosure was just plain mean. But some of his films were entertaining - even The Thirteenth Warrior, which he finished off himself after firing director John McTiernan. But you have to wonder about a novelist who fires the director he's hired for the adaptation of his novel...

 

[Nesacat]

Salut Michael ... I hope you're where the dinosaurs still roam. His books have, as Pyan mentioned, kept me company on many a long flight. He may not have been up there with the best but his books did entertain.

 

[Ice fyre]

A shock this, at 66 this is a young age to die. I agree with the sentiments expressed a definate average writer, but has produced some iconic film scripts.

Rest in peace.

 

[Grimward]

Read the Andromeda Strain when I was in junior high, and thought it was great. As with the rest, have been captured by his films more than once. May Peace be given to an innovative storyteller.

 

[dustinzgirl]

No way.