Michael Crichton, the best-selling author of Jurassic Park and creator of the TV series ER, died in Los Angeles yesterday at the age of 66, according to a statement from his public relations firm. The release said the author died unexpectedly after a "courageous and private battle against cancer." A private funeral service is expected.
Crichton, a medical doctor, was known for writing cautionary science tales. He wrote his first novel, 1969′s The Andromeda Strain, about an alien microorganism studied at a military compound, while still a medical student at Harvard Medical School. His 1990 novel, Jurassic Park, was perhaps his best-known book. It focused on scientists who used dinosaur DNA to bring the creatures back to life — with horrific consequences. The book was turned into a hit movie directed by Steven Spielberg in 1993. His last published novel was 2006′s Next, a technothriller about genetic experimentation.
More on Michael Crichton:
EW readers rememeber Michael Crichton in PopWatch
Michael Crichton profile
Michael Crichton: EW Power Issue
Michael Crichton profile (from Jurassic Park days)
TV Review: Adaptation of Michael Crichton’s The Andromeda Strain
Book review: Airframe
Book review: Next
Book review: Prey
Book review: State of Fear
Movie review: Twister (Crichton screenplay)
Wow.. That was totally unexpected. RIP.
This is very sad news. The world has lost a great author.
Oh my that’s very very sad news , my thoughts go to his family and friends in this trying time and Michale will be missed deeply as one of the best fiction writers of the last century
This is really sad. I didn’t even know he was sick. To his credit, I love all of his books. Timeline may be my favorite book I’ve ever read. Sphere is still the only book I’ve legitimately been afraid of while reading, and Jurassic Park is a classic. Mr. Crichton will be missed.
Wow… what a loss.
What a huge loss
This is awful news! I actually was just saying this weekend that he needs to write another book because I’ve read all of his and loved them. What a loss for the literary world!
RIP, You will be missed
I wonder if he had any unpublished novels, or novels that were almost finished that will be finished by another author. He created great action-packed novels with interesting plot turns. I will miss him greatly.
This very sad news. He was hands down my favorite author and I never read a book of his that I didn’t like.
Very sad and very unexpected. At a young age I was a fan Chrichton’s Westworld and of course loved Jurassic Park & ER. Lately, however his fervant denial of global warming had turned me off. My heart goes out to his family.
I almost started crying when I heard this… it is unfortunate that there will not be another new novel from him.
Ah, yes. Sphere. I also got scared while reading that book! That rarely happens to me.
Oh my God, I can’t believe it.
It’s such a shock.
RIP Michael.
God…
This cannot be happenning. I don’t think I can find an author like Michael whose books grab my attention like a snatch.
God bless you Michael. One of the greatest author in the history.
Please rest in peace.
What a shock. Crichton’s books are osome fo the reasons I went into science. He was such an interesting and entertaining writer and I will gretaly miss his work. My sympathies to his family and friends.