Sci-Fi Bulletin: Exploring the Universes of SF, Fantasy, Horror and Spy-fi!

Influential American science fiction author Richard Matheson has died, aged 87.

Matheson, who was described by Steven Spielberg as “in the same category as [Ray] Bradbury and [Isaac] Asimov”, had been ill for some time, and recently had to withdraw from appearing at this November’s World Fantasy Convention in Brighton.

His daughter Ali released a statement:  “My beloved father passed away yesterday at home surrounded by the people and things he loved…he was funny, brilliant, loving, generous, kind, creative, and the most wonderful father ever…I miss you and love you forever Pop and I know you are now happy and healthy in a beautiful place full of love and joy you always knew was there.”

Matheson published his first science fiction story in 1950 and wrote prolifically thereafter. His 1954 novel I Am Legend inspired three movie adaptations, and many of his other works were brought to cinema and TV audiences. His scripts for The Twilight Zone included Nightmare at 20,000 Feet (filmed twice) and he split William Shatner’s Captain Kirk in two for the classic Star Trek episode The Enemy Within.

He was due to receive the visionary award at the Academy of Science Fiction, Horror and Fantasy Films’ Saturn Awards on Wednesday, and this will now be awarded posthumously. “We are heartbroken to lose a writer of towering talent, unlimited imagination  and unparalleled inspiration,” said Robert Holguin, the academy’s president.  “Richard was a genius whose visions helped bring legitimacy and critical acclaim  to science fiction and fantasy. He was also a longtime supporter of the academy,  and everyone associated with the Saturn Awards feels emptier today to learn of  this enormous loss.”

Greg Cox, his editor at Tor for over twenty years, summed up many of the tributes being paid online: “He was always a true gentleman and a pleasure to work with. We were all lucky to have known him.”