Jurassic Park Writer, Michael Crichton Dies At 66

Michael Crichton, author of best-selling science fiction adventures Jurassic Park, died of cancer at 66 years old in Los Angeles, as said by his family on Wednesday. His rep said in a statement, “Michael Crichton died unexpectedly in Los Angeles Tuesday, November 4 after a courageous and private battle against cancer.”

Crichton was a medical doctor turned novelist and filmmaker whose books have sold more than 150 million copies worldwide. Beside the successfulness of Jurassic Park, he had wrote novels such as The Andromeda Strain, State of Fear, Prey and Congo. His best-seller novel State of Fear even sparked controversy in 2005, by casting doubt on claims of the dangers of global warming, and the main villains in the novel are eco-terrorists. He was also the creator of the long-running NBC drama “ER,” the series who played a big role in making George Clooney famous, which currently in its final season.

Crichton’s family released a statement upon his death, saying, “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 continued. “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. 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.”

Crichton best known for Jurassic Park and The Lost World, which had been made into movies and became the top-grossing films of the 1990s. Filmmaker Steven Spielberg, who directed the blockbuster movie version of both novels paid tribute to Crichton. Spielberg said in a statement, “Michael’s talent out-scaled even his own dinosaurs of Jurassic Park. He was the greatest at blending science with big theatrical concepts, which is what gave credibility to dinosaurs again walking the earth. Michael was a gentle soul who reserved his flamboyant side for his novels. There is no one in the wings that will ever take his place.”

Good bye Michael, may your spirit lives on through your novels. Rest in peace.

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