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Science Fiction author Richard Matheson passes away

Science Fiction author Richard Matheson passes away

THE science fiction author Richard Matheson has passed away. He was 87.

Mr. Matheson, whose work included fantasy and horror, had enjoyed a highly successful career which spanned more than 60 years. Many of his books were adapted for film and television, among them the vampire novel, I Am Legend, which was published in 1954. Over the years the book inspired three films, the last one came out in 2007 and starred Will Smith.

His other successful titles included Hell House, The Shrinking Man and What Dreams May Come. Away from the sci-fi and horror genres, the author also penned a number of westerns.

Mr. Matheson was also a successful screenwriter, among his many credits was his adaptation of Dennis Wheatley’s The Devil Rides Out for Hammer Films in 1968. His writing for television was extensive with credits on such shows at Star Trek, The Twilight Zone and The Alfred Hitchcock Hour. Among his work for Star Trek was the acclaimed episode The Enemy Within.

Over the years he was credited with having influenced many young writers. 

He had also received a number of awards for his writing, the latest of which was from the Academy of Science Fiction, Horror and Fantasy Films. Mr. Matheson had been due to receive the visionary award at a ceremony in Los Angeles.

Among the many tributes was one from the director Steven Spielberg, whose first feature-length film had been based on the author’s short story Duel.

Mr. Spielberg said: “Richard Matheson’s ironic and iconic imagination created seminal science-fiction stories. His Twilight Zones were among my favourites. For me, he is in the same category as Bradbury and Asimov.

To view an interview with Mr. Matheson, click here.

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