Michael Crichton: 1942-2008
It was an absolute shock to hear the very sad news today that award-winning author Michael Crichton has passed away at the age of 66. His family said that he had been fighting a "courageous and private battle against cancer", adding, "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."
Inspired by his experience as a doctor and science background, his internationally bestselling high-concept thrillers often served as cautionary tales of the perils of technology. He's most famous for Jurassic Park, but his career as a writer also crossed over to television as the creator and producer of the long-running series ER. Many of his novels were adapted for the big screen, including The Andromeda Strain, Rising Sun, Jurassic Park, Disclosure, and Congo.
See more books by Michael Crichton.
Below is a 2006 clip of Crichton on The Charlie Rose Show, talking about his book Next.
--BTP
tck on November 05, 2008 at 11:56 AM
You, sir, will be missed. What a wonderful life, and to bring enjoyment to so many readers.
tck on November 05, 2008 at 11:57 AM
You, sir, will be missed. What a wonderful life, and to bring enjoyment to so many readers.
Frank Warner on November 05, 2008 at 12:01 PM
So sad to lose him.
He was the best. From "Andromeda Strain" on, there was no match for the way he could combine science, mystery and heart-thumping human emotion. Treat yourselves. Read his "Sphere."
MikeTheLibrarian on November 05, 2008 at 12:21 PM
I know it's a cliché about the book being better than the movie, but Michael Crichton's excellent books were the epitome of this. Frank Warner mentioned "Sphere", and I second his suggestion to read the book. Avoid the movie. I've always said that Michael Crichton was one of the very few authors who could make a "BOO!" moment work in text, and his amazing talent will be missed.
Larry on November 05, 2008 at 12:45 PM
Difficult to overstate this loss, especially on this day when mass irrationality is locked into the ascendent. His was, for all the excitement of his books, a calm and clear mind.
Mister Snitch on November 05, 2008 at 12:45 PM
Thank you so much for this video. It's such a rare pleasure to hear from a man who can think for himself and stand (firmly but quite politely) on his own values and beliefs. When a man such as this passes, we all lose a great deal, because where does the next Michael Crichton come from?
Frank S. on November 05, 2008 at 12:46 PM
Mr. Parsons,
There were three Jurassic Park movies, but I'm only aware of two books; "Jurassic Park," and "The Lost World" (which, incidentally is an homage to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's adventure story of the same name).
Frank S.
frankg on November 05, 2008 at 01:17 PM
This...is a shock. Now I am really grieving. I have read this man's works since high school. I'm grateful to have known about him.
DirtCrashr on November 05, 2008 at 01:25 PM
This is a rare loss, at a time when we desperately need his clarity and precision of thought.
MikeinAppalachia on November 05, 2008 at 01:44 PM
Would not have thought it possible that today could get worse. It did.
john brown on November 05, 2008 at 01:51 PM
This is sad news. I never met the guy, but I saw him several times on Tv and he seemed a likable, easy going sort. I think we'll miss him a lot; you read a book of his and, whether he's right or wrong, you just have to read up on the subject. I wish more science or science-fiction writers could do what he did.
soupmonkey on November 05, 2008 at 02:32 PM
Oh crap!
Cris Cohen on November 05, 2008 at 02:52 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.
Krista on November 05, 2008 at 02:57 PM
Wow. What a loss. Your imagination and talent will surely be missed.
Diana on November 05, 2008 at 05:42 PM
Poor man. He was a great author. Many condolences to his family.
cas6039 on November 05, 2008 at 08:23 PM
There is so much more to his books!
State of Fear - false Environmentalism driven by greed and power
TimeLine - time travel, or why you shouldn't mess with the time stream
AirFrame - the incredible details involved with commercial aircraft production and safety
Disclosure - "reverse" Sexual Harassment
The Terminal Man - reprogramming the human mind
The Andromeda Strain - "invasion" by alien viruses (his first success)
Contrary to what MiketheLibrarian stated, I think he always wrote his books with an eye towards producing a screenplay from his books. This is NOT necessarily a bad thing, not the way Michael Crichton did them.
But most of all, he created REAL characters you could believe in, and ALWAYS included action and suspense in his stories; there aren't many authors who can consistently make accurate science and technology so interesting!
Wally on November 05, 2008 at 09:20 PM
As much as I enjoyed his novels, my favorite book of his will always be Travels, his collection of short essays about various times in his early life, and travels and adventures he'd undertaken. What a fascinating, honest man...he'll truly be missed.
Ron on November 05, 2008 at 11:58 PM
What a sad day. I have read almost all of his novels several times, and I consider him my favorite author. RIP, Michael.
Benson on November 06, 2008 at 12:08 AM
This news has brought me to tears. Crichton was never fully or properly appreciated; we are fortunate to have a record of a bit of his insight and wisdom. May his family and friends know they do not mourn alone.
R.Venugopal on November 06, 2008 at 12:24 AM
Michael,we will miss you very much.it is a sad day.I am your irrevocable fan right from the college day.When I read Andomeda strain for the first time I had a vision here is an author who is going to give us always the best.All those to whom I recommended the books were fans from the day the read your novel.Your towering personality,racy style in writing,new ideas fast pace made all your novels unputdownable.whether it is Jurassic park,Congo,Lost World or Rising Sun it is always another Crichton and most satisfying.No doubt Seven Spielberg another giant in the field chose you for an ungogettable era in movie magic.You are no more,but your books will be speaking about you in years to comeWe will miss you.RIP
Monk on November 06, 2008 at 12:32 AM
His books had a profound effect on me at a young age. My favorite was one of his lesser known..."The Great Train Robbery"...a historical dramatization of one of the coolest crimes ever.
Luis Asencio on November 06, 2008 at 03:48 AM
Truly a loss we will never recover from. One thing and perhaps the main reason I love Michael Crichton's works is the "in-there" feeling he produced. I agree with cas6039 in the statement that Crichton wrote towards seeing his work as a screenplay. Dr. Crichton was (and will always be) my favorite author. His place in history is secured. May he rest in peace.
Joyce Deckler on November 06, 2008 at 05:54 AM
Rewrite this
Inspired by his experience as a doctor and science background,
Penelope Pickenstein on November 06, 2008 at 07:26 AM
He was my favourite American author, and his books shall forever remain on my shelves, to revisit over and over. As some people have already said, avoid the movies, as most do no justice to the beauty of language and engaging tales Michael Crichton gave us on paper.
Laura Davis on November 06, 2008 at 07:30 AM
I am heartbroken! Michael Crichton was one of my first favorite adult authors when I was young (The Andromeda Strain completely bowled me over, even at age 13!), and I had the pleasure of meeting him a few years ago. He was SUCH a nice man. I am numb with the sad knowledge that I will never again have the joy of rushing home from the bookstore to cuddle up in my favorite reading spot and spend the day immersed in his latest book.