Michael Crichton, the prolific techno-thriller author of Jurassic Park, Timeline, Sphere and The Andromeda Strain, died Tuesday after a private battle against cancer, according to a statement released by his family and posted on his website. He was 66.
Crichton’s first novel, Odds On, was published under the pen name John Lange in 1966. He published several books under other aliases, including Jeffrey Hudson and, ironically, Michael Douglas (the actor Michael Douglas later starred in the movie adaptation of Disclosure). The Andromeda Strain, his first book published under his real name, came out in 1971, followed by The Terminal Man, The Great Train Robbery and Eaters of the Dead.
In 1990, Juarassic Park captured the hearts and imaginations of dinosaur and action fans worldwide; in 1993, he co-wrote the screenplay for the film, which would go on to make about $900 million worldwide. It currently ranks as the 11th highest-grossing film of all time worldwide. Many of his other novels, including Disclosure, Congo and Rising Sun, were also made into films.
Crichton also created and executive produced the NBC television show ER, whcih is currently in its last season.
“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,” said the statement from his family.
November 5th, 2008 at 9:06 pm
I like that he wrote about really different subject matter while also weaving in commentaries on things like the modern day media. He had an interesting mind.
November 6th, 2008 at 10:36 am
I read Jurassic Park before the movie came out in like 91 or 92.
I was ten-ish, at the beach with family. It was my first novel. He had me at ‘dinosaurs’.