Michael Crichton
You may never have read a single book written by best-selling author Michael Crichton, but chances are you owe him a lot. Crichton's magic touch was unmistakable in the world of film and television, having created the long-running, Emmy-dominating ER and written novels such as Jurassic Park, The Andromeda Strain, and Disclosure.
Crichton passed away at the age of 66 yesterday in Los Angeles after 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," Crichton's family said in a statement.
Crichton helped define the modern-day medical drama with ER, which he created in 1994. The show is still running today, and though it's in its 15th season, it is still showing strong signs of life and may continue for a 16th.
Crichton is also one of the best at implementing cliffhangers--just ask anyone who has read one of his "can't put down" books--a tactic that has influenced the popularity of serialized television dramas such as Lost, Prison Break, and 24.
In 1994, Crichton was simultaneously responsible for the number-one book (Disclosure), movie (Jurassic Park), and television show (ER).
Crichton had his critics, but there's no doubting that he was one of the best and most influential entertainers of the modern era.
Very sad news, but he lives on in his stories and in all the episodes of ER.
We'll miss you. RIP
Rest in Peace, you had such great talent. Thanks you for creating ER! We loved it.
This is such sad news for me. He is one of my favorite authors and ER is a great show. Rest in Peace Michael Crichton.
RIP Mr. Crichton
R.I.P.One of the greatest sci-fi authors of our time.
RIP.
He will be missed....
this is the saddest news i'v heard since forever! ER is my favourite show EVER!!! ... Rest in Peace Michael!
I have no idea whose books I'm going to read now...
A true genius! Rest in Peace friend.P.S. The top TV show, movie and book in 1994?? That's an awesome feat.
The world just lost one of the best authors I've ever had the pleasure of reading. He will be missed!!! Rest In Piece Micheal!!!
That's sad. I liked him and his work. He was a great author. One of the best.
This will be one death of someone I never knew in person that I will cry over immensely. Can't believe the world has lost a writer like him, but to me and those others who are familiar with his works, he will remain as immortal as Shakespeare or Einstein. Jurassic Park and The Lost World were some of the best literary experiences of my life, and I will always treasure them immensely. Rest in Peace, Mr. Crichton, you deserve it more than your own talent-filled words can express.
Aw, that's sad! RIP!!
Yeah, RIP Michael Crichton you created the best medical drama ever (during it's prime), better then St. Elsewhere, Grey's Anatomy and anything else medical related. You'll be missed.
Jesus, I thought he died long ago, this was a real shocker to me
This is a terrible loss. I'm heart broken, his science fiction and foresight in his novels and film is lengendary.
Wow, that's a bummer.
This is very surprising. He will be missed.
Awe, such a tragedy.
RIP
Talented man, passed away at such a young age.
He leaves behind a great legacy.
OMG that's terrible. RIP
That's a shame that he's passed away, so young, hopefully he'll be remembered for all the good that he's brought into this world, especially his amazing quality writing, and his wonderful books, I loved "Prey," that one really got me hooked on his style of writing. How tragically ironic that it's ER's last season too?
Absolutly gutted. Rest in Peace
Wow. That's all i can say. This is incredibly sad and surprising, my prayers go out to his family.