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)
Comments (1-30) of 63 Add your comment
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I wonder if he had any unpublished novels, or novels that were almost finished that will be finished by another author.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.
I’ve enjoyed many of his books. From Sphere to Congo, I will mourn one of my favorite authors growing up.
Our paths crossed at the Museum of Modern Art in the late 1970’s. He held court. Especially tall, handsome, though baby faced, he was quite the media darling.
I had no idea he was so ill, and I am sorry that (as I grow older) he died at 66 years old. It seems too young.
Another indication that you never know . . . when . . . and should keep your closets and underwear drawers in order.
Lynne W. Scanlon
Publisher/Author
Forgive me for being so cynical. Four wives?
Our paths crossed in the late 1970’s.
He seems to have died too young at 66. Much too young.
From ‘Andromeda Strain’ to ‘Jurassic Park’, and of course ER, I have always enjoyed his stories. You will be missed.
Words cannot express the deep sadness of losing Michael Crichton. He truly was a wonderful writer, both of books and movies. Best of all, he was a truly good man. He is already missed. My prayers go out to his family and friends. Rest in eternal peace Michael.
I was blcoked from work from my comment so i repeat here.
Michael Chrichton wa brilliant and i admired and love his work in literature, film and television. I feel that many people wont even understand howhe touched him.
But i do, and thank you.
I am so sad hearing this news. I didn’t hear it til now [Thursday] & was shocked since I wasn’t aware he was battling cancer. He was one of my favorite authors – I never bypassed a book written by him & with rare exception enjoyed them all! 66 is way too young to pass away & I know he would have entertained us for many years yet had he lived.
RIP Michael – I will miss what you still had to put to paper & doubly enjoy what you already have. =(
I didn’t agree with his politics but you have to admit the guys sure could write a page turner. Juraissic Park had a cliff hanger at the end of every chapter, making it impossible to put down.
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