Tor.com is saddened and staggered to learn of the passing of Richard Matheson, the esteemed author of I am Legend, The Shrinking Man, What Dreams May Come, Hell House, the script for the Steven Spielberg film Duel, and many Twilight Zone scripts, among many more works.
The author’s passing was first announced via a protected Facebook post [via John Shirley] by his daughter Ali Marie Matheson:
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’s son Richard Christian has posted a statement on his Facebook page, as well, informing the public that Matheson passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday.
Tor Books editor Greg Cox, Matheson’s longtime editor, upon learning the news. “For over sixty years, Richard Matheson’s imagination enriched our lives and contributed vastly to the literature and entertainment of the twentieth century. In addition, he was a true gentlemen who was never less than a pleasure to work with. We’re all lucky to have known him and his work.”
Born in New Jersey in 1926, Matheson was raised in Brooklyn, New York, published his first science fiction short story in 1950, and became an extremely prolific writer of stories and scripts between 1950 and 1971. Over the course of his career he received a World Fantasy Award for Life Achievement, and Bram Stoker Award for Lifetime Achievement, and he was inducted into the Science Fiction Hall of Fame in 2010.
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We recently hosted a re-read of some of his works, and we can think of no better way to spend an evening than with his beautiful words and haunting ideas.
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This is sad news. He is one of my favorite authors. R.I.P
I had always held out hope that I could meet him one day. And I always smiled knowing such a literary genius was still blessing the world with his presence.
A serious sadly day for the world of literature. :(
His influence and reach as a writer has always been much greater than generally recognized by the public. His work will continue to inspire others long after his passing. Safe travels, Mr. Matheson.
Very sad news. But what a creative legacy and impact. Condolences to his family.
Scott Carey ran into his new world, searching….
So many wonderful books. One of my favorites made into one of my favorite films, Bid Time Return aka Somewhere in Time.
You have entertained me many a time ! Thank you
for your marvelous imagination and for sharing it with us. You could NEVER be replaced !Have fun on the other side and if you get bored you can always come haunt me.
Gotta be honest, I didn’t know he was still alive. I loved I Am Legend; was always disappointed that none of the movies really did it justice, although the Vincent Price version was close.
Godspeed, Mr Lanier.
Very sad news. I loved Matheson’s work before I had any clue that he was responsible for it. Must read something of his after I finish my latest.
Over the last 3 or 4 years, so many of the writers, artists, and film makers working in comics, fantasy, sf, and horror have passed on. These men and women created the imaginative worlds that so many of us on this site spend so much of our time in. Words cannot capture how our lives would have been diminished had they not existed, nor can words capture how our lives have been enriched by their presence. To Mr. Matheson and the other members of the Old Guard who have passed on, you have earned your rest. To their peers still among us, you have earned your rest, too, but please stay with us a little longer. You still have much to teach us.
Vance, Banks and now Matheson. Who knows what dreams may come?
Richard Matheson dies at 87 know more visit http://goo.gl/1pe5E