Michael Crichton Passes Away

One of the greatest authors of our times, Michael Crichton, passed away on Nov 4 in Los Angeles at the age of 66. A best-selling author and filmmaker par excellence, succumbed to cancer, after putting up a brave and very private fight against the disease. He is survived by his wife, Sherri, and daughter, Taylor. Born in Chicago on Oct 23, 1942, he was raised in Roslyn, Long Island, New York.

He graduated Summa Cum Laude from Harvard in 1964 and went on to earn his MD in 1969. It was during this time that he started writing under the pen names of John Lange and Jeffery Hudson. His first bestseller "The Andromeda Strain" was published when he was still a student. He later went on to teach courses in anthropology at Cambridge University and writing at MIT.

Michael Crichton's novels have a central theme which is almost always contrary to popular belief. His science fiction novels have always challenged the popular belief that science was for the better of mankind. His books "The Andromeda Strain", "Prey", "Jurassic Park" and "Next" encouraged the reader to challenge the uses of science. "Congo" was an adventure story set challenging the belief that man was the strongest animal. "Disclosure" brought forth the idea of sexual harassment with woman as the aggressor.

"The Rising Sun" told the story of politics and business in the context of Japan's business intentions in the United States. "State of Fear" brought forth skepticism of global warming. His novels are very detailed and feel more like an amalgamation of research and fiction, the research reflecting his medical and scientific educational background. Many of his books have been adapted into high grossing films. "The Rising Sun" and "State of Fear" also won him his fare share of criticism.

Crichton was also a highly applauded film maker and television series producer. He is best known for his direction of "Coma", an adaptation of Robin Cook and the television series ER. It is said he was so taken over by the direction and production of ER that he penned only three episodes of it. Crichton won an Emmy, a Peabody, and a Writer's Guild of America Award for "ER."

In December 1994, he had the number One movie (Jurassic Park), number One television show (ER), and the number One book (Disclosure).In 2002, a newly discovered Ankylosaur was named for him: Crichtonsaurus Bohlini.

Michael Crichton leaves behind thousands of fans in deep grief, a hunger for more research based fiction and a legacy of some of the best books on a variety of topics. A private funeral is planned for the writer. May his soul rest in peace.

More information: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Crichton