dead Michael Crichton Dies!

[Typhoid Harry 23]

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/11/05/...in4575403.shtml

 

(CBS) Best-selling author and filmaker Michael Crichton died unexpectedly in Los Angeles Tuesday, after a courageous and private battle against cancer, according to a statement released by his family. He was 66.

 

Crichton is best known as the author of "Jurassic Park" and the creator of "ER." His most recent novel, "Next," about genetics and law, was published in December 2006.

 

"While the world knew him as a great story teller that challenged our preconceived notions about the world around us -- and entertained us all while doing so -- his wife Sherri, daughter Taylor, family and friends knew Michael Crichton as a devoted husband, loving father and generous friend who inspired each of us to strive to see the wonders of our world through new eyes," the statement said. "He did this with a wry sense of humor that those who were privileged to know him personally will never forget."

 

Through his books, 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 all could understand.

 

"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," the statement added.

 

Born in Chicago Oct. 23, 1942, Crichton graduated summa cum laude from Harvard College, received his MD from Harvard Medical School, and was a postdoctoral fellow at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies, researching public policy with Jacob Bronowski. He has taught courses in anthropology at Cambridge University and writing at MIT. Crichton's 2004 bestseller, "State of Fear," acknowledged the world was growing warmer, but challenged extreme anthropogenic warming scenarios.

 

A private funeral service is expected, but no further details will be released to the public.

[Terminator 13]

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/11/05/...in4575403.shtml

 

(CBS) Best-selling author and filmaker Michael Crichton died unexpectedly in Los Angeles Tuesday, after a courageous and private battle against cancer, according to a statement released by his family. He was 66.

 

I remember Michael Crichton being interviewed (on Parkinson?) when he talked about Jurassic Park and the little* 6-foot velociraptors being more deadly than the T-Rex.

 

It made sense when I realised he was 6ft 9ins.

[BCAlum2000 42]

This is a huge shocker to me!

 

Crichton (along with Stephen King) was amongst the many genuises who defined my literary interests as an adolescent. Crichton was one of the most talented writers out there. His blend of science fiction, fast paced suspense, attention to scientific details, and technological plausibility have made Crichton one of the best contemporary authors in the literary world.

 

I will really miss him. I'm honestly saddened by his untimely death.

 

RIP Michael Crichton. Thank you for your fantastic contributions to the world of contemporary literature.

[Cowboy Ronnie 78]

A few interesting facts about Michael Crichton (with thanks to wiki. Remember when people on the DL used to make fun of wikipedia? Tools):

 

1. He was a doctor, author, film director, movie/TV producer, computer game developer and bit part actor. Perhaps the only person ever to combine these skills, on a major level anyway.

 

2. He wrote The Great Train Robbery and Rising Sun, both of which became films starring Sean Connery. The Great Train Robbery also starred Donald Sutherland, who later turned up in Disclosure, based on a novel written by Crichton.

 

3. He created the Jurassic Park and ER franchises. Jurassic Park featured director/actor/producer Richard Attenborough, while ER kick-started the career of actor/director/producer/screenwriter George Clooney. Jurassic Park and its first sequel were directed by Steven Spielberg, while ER was originally intended to be a motion picture to be directed by Spielberg.

 

4. He wrote a book under the pseudonym "Michael Douglas". He later directed the film Coma, which featured actor Michael Douglas, who was also in Disclosure.

 

5. In December 1994, he achieved the unique distinction of having the #1 movie (Jurassic Park), #1 TV show (ER), and #1 book (Disclosure, atop the paperback list) at the same time in the US.

 

6. He wrote Congo, which when turned into a movie was one of the biggest loads of loveable rubbish I've ever seen. Just a notch below Anaconda.

 

7. He publically refuted the probable existence of UFO's and ET's (for which he deserves a posthumous honorary knighthood), as well as doubting the effects of second-hand smoke. Which is ironic as it sounds like he died of lung cancer or some similar smoking-related disease.

[CarolAnn 926]

Remember when people on the DL used to make fun of wikipedia? Tools)

 

I think we still do.... lol

[The Unknown Man 587]

I saw that on the news today. That's sad for sure.

[honez 79]

A few interesting facts about Michael Crichton (with thanks to wiki. Remember when people on the DL used to make fun of wikipedia? Tools):

1. He was a doctor, author, film director, movie/TV producer, computer game developer and bit part actor.

2. He wrote The Great Train Robbery and Rising Sun

3. He created the Jurassic Park and ER franchises.

4. He wrote a book under the pseudonym "Michael Douglas".

5. In December 1994, he achieved the unique distinction of having the #1 movie (Jurassic Park), #1 TV show (ER), and #1 book (Disclosure, atop the paperback list) at the same time in the US.

6. He wrote Congo

7. He publically[sic] refuted the probable existence of UFO's and ET's

and don't forget #8, being one of the robotic crew of Red Dwarf.

[themaninblack 2,112]

A few interesting facts about Michael Crichton (with thanks to wiki. Remember when people on the DL used to make fun of wikipedia? Tools):

1. He was a doctor, author, film director, movie/TV producer, computer game developer and bit part actor.

2. He wrote The Great Train Robbery and Rising Sun

3. He created the Jurassic Park and ER franchises.

4. He wrote a book under the pseudonym "Michael Douglas".

5. In December 1994, he achieved the unique distinction of having the #1 movie (Jurassic Park), #1 TV show (ER), and #1 book (Disclosure, atop the paperback list) at the same time in the US.

6. He wrote Congo

7. He publically[sic] refuted the probable existence of UFO's and ET's

and don't forget #8, being one of the robotic crew of Red Dwarf.

 

#9. He was the original choice to play Thomas Jerome Newton in 'The Man Who Fell To Earth'.

[Cowboy Ronnie 78]

A few interesting facts about Michael Crichton (with thanks to wiki. Remember when people on the DL used to make fun of wikipedia? Tools):

1. He was a doctor, author, film director, movie/TV producer, computer game developer and bit part actor.

2. He wrote The Great Train Robbery and Rising Sun

3. He created the Jurassic Park and ER franchises.

4. He wrote a book under the pseudonym "Michael Douglas".

5. In December 1994, he achieved the unique distinction of having the #1 movie (Jurassic Park), #1 TV show (ER), and #1 book (Disclosure, atop the paperback list) at the same time in the US.

6. He wrote Congo

7. He publically[sic] refuted the probable existence of UFO's and ET's

and don't forget #8, being one of the robotic crew of Red Dwarf.

 

I had to look up Honez' reference. Red Dwarf, what a show. Looks like the budget was about 2 pence per episode. Plus whatever bail was due for Craig Charles that week.