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Richard Matheson
Richard Matheson
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Richard Matheson Obituary
A spokesman for the Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy and Horror Films said Matheson died Sunday in Los Angeles. No other details were provided.
With a career spanning more than 60 years, Matheson crafted stories that deftly transitioned from the page to both the big and small screens. Several of his works were adapted into films, including 1953's "Hell House," 1956's "The Shrinking Man," 1958's "A Stir of Echoes" and 1978's "What Dreams May Come."
Matheson's 1954 sci-fi vampire novel "I Am Legend" inspired three different film adaptations: 1964's "The Last Man on Earth" starring Vincent Price, 1971's "Omega Man" starring Charlton Heston and 2007's "I Am Legend" starring Will Smith.
Matheson was also responsible for writing several episodes of "The Twilight Zone," as well as editions of "The Alfred Hitchcock Hour," ''Rod Serling's Night Gallery," ''The Martian Chronicles" and "Amazing Stories." His "Twilight Zone" installments included "Nightmare at 20,000 Feet," which featured William Shatner as an airplane passenger who spots a creature on a plane's wing, as well as "Steel," which inspired the 2011 film "Real Steel" starring Hugh Jackman.
"I loved Richard Matheson's writing, and it was a huge honor getting to adapt his story 'Button, Button' into a film," posted "Donnie Darko" and "The Box" director Richard Kelly on Twitter on Monday.
Matheson influenced several generations of storytellers. Among them were Stephen King, who dedicated his 2006 novel "Cell" to Matheson, and Steven Spielberg, whose first feature-length film was the made-for-TV movie "Duel," based on the Matheson short story of the same name.
"Richard Matheson's ironic and iconic imagination created seminal science-fiction stories and gave me my first break when he wrote the short story and screenplay for 'Duel,'" said Spielberg in a statement. "His 'Twilight Zones' were among my favorites, and he recently worked with us on 'Real Steel.' For me, he is in the same category as (Ray) Bradbury and (Isaac) Asimov."
Matheson was scheduled to receive the visionary award at the Academy of Science Fiction, Horror and Fantasy Films' Saturn Awards on Wednesday. The organization said the award will be presented posthumously and the 39th annual ceremony would be dedicated to Matheson.
"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."
Matheson is survived by his wife and four children.
DERRIK J. LANG,AP Entertainment Writer
Copyright © 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
50 Entries
Burt Bluestein
April 7, 2020
his book and script for Somewhere in Time is the best movie I ever worked on. It lives on with one of the largest fan clubs in the world. His legacy will live for very long time
September 27, 2017
Love and Miss you every day, Papa.....
Harry Simpson
June 24, 2016
Rest Richard, until you hear at dawn,
the low, clear reveille of God.
Thank you for your service to this nation.
How you can show support
July 8, 2013
sorry for your loss,may God Almighty heal your wounds.Lean on Him at this time,He wiil satisfy your every desire.....~m~
June 30, 2013
May Richard rest in peace.
June 29, 2013
so sorry for the loss of your loved one,may you enjoy God's peace and comfort at this time."Happy are they that mourn,since they will be comforted."matt.5:4 qd
f e
June 29, 2013
My condolences,may the strength of the bible bring your family comfort,,isa.41:9,10,13.
June 27, 2013
My sincere condolences to Matheson's family and friends. I am fan of his work , so of course his great talent will be missed. (John 5:28)
B Lucas
June 27, 2013
My sincere condolence for the loss of Richard your dear loved one. Peace and love to your family and friends. [email protected]
Jack Stiles
June 26, 2013
Very sad news. I have cherished Mr. Matheson's stories for 50 years. He truly was one of our greatest writers. My condolences to the Matheson Family.
Gifford Anglim
June 26, 2013
Thank you for illuminating my path!
June 26, 2013
Your stories affected my life. Shine on brightly for you are legend! God speed! Daniel Van Ness, Cortland N.Y.
June 26, 2013
You affected my life with your stories. Shine on brightly for you are legend!
MB
June 26, 2013
Matheson Family, Sorry for your loss. Please find comfort in knowing God cares about the pain you feel.[1Peter 5:6,7]
Jonathan Anderson
June 26, 2013
A true visionary. I am Legend will always be one of my favorite books. Be at Peace.
June 26, 2013
May you find comfort from the peace of God at this time of distress-Phillpians 4:6, 7. E.D; Park Forest, IL.
Debbie
June 26, 2013
My sincere condolences to the Matheson Family. May the hearer of all Prayer, comfort and strengthen you during your loss. Psalm 61:1
rochelle paputsis
June 26, 2013
The flame that shed light into the unknown for so many is now exhausted yet shall continue to shed light in the hearts of numbers great.
A Fan
June 25, 2013
Bid Time Return, Richard and Elise...so wonderful it developed a cult following, I even have a Somewhere in Time room, rest in peace, my condolences to your family at this sad time!
xoxoxo thank you for the sci fi read&movies
Victoria V
June 25, 2013
irene rev.21:4
June 25, 2013
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Lynne Andrews
June 25, 2013
What a writer you were, Richard Matheson. What an imagination ! How much you gave us...and many that were turned into films. Your work will live on...and I hope young people will discover you -as we older ones already have.
Lawrence Wertan
June 25, 2013
I read I AM LEGEND when I was about in grade 6 back in 1956. It was so well written I felt like I was there - I remember one sentence about the blue gray cigarette smoke curling upward. Amazing. Rest In Peace.
June 25, 2013
I am very sorry for this loss. I loved The Shrinking Man, and those Twilight Zone and Alfred Hitchcock episodes. May the God of comfort be with all of us in the days and weeks to come.
Sandra Fox
June 25, 2013
Thank you Mr. Matheson for countless hours of reading and viewing pleasure.
Heather Reser
June 25, 2013
My condolences to the family! Tina- Leslie and I are thinking of you and the kids as you mourn the passing of your father. Xoxo ~ Heather
michelle plakas-kaiser
June 25, 2013
rip
Harry Simpson
June 25, 2013
Thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.
L Barrett
June 25, 2013
A brilliant man, a brilliant mind...blessing to those who loved him. Those of us who were entranced and made to think by his 'work' will span into future generations.
Suzanne Thomas
June 25, 2013
So sad to hear of your loss, "I am Legend" is one of my favorite movies, he will be missed!
Theresa Rath
June 25, 2013
I loved all his stories. I knew if it was written by Mr. Matheson, it would be a terrific tale. My condolences to the Matheson family. Rest in peace Richard. You will be missed.
Nancy Woodwell-Freedman
June 25, 2013
Sincere condolences to the family, friends & collegues of the wonderful Richard Matheson. I watched every original episode of "The Twilight Zone" and try to catch the reruns of my favorites when they do a marathon on t.v. Of course, "Nightmare at 20,000 Feet" is pure genius. I also read and loved his novels. I'm not surprised to see that he inspired a lot of other great writers, i.e Stephen King & collaborated with the likes of Steven Spielberg. He was certainly a master of his genre and gave his many, many fans so much pleasure. An iconic author who will be missed.
Anita Maria Lopez
June 25, 2013
When I was a girl, I was so engrossed in I Am Legend, I didn't realize I plucked out my entire eyebrow til I heard my mother scream when she saw me. :) I can't find the words, so I'll use yours to express what's in my heart.
“Thank you for gracing my life with your lovely presence, for adding the sweet measure of your soul to my existence.” - Richard Matheson, What Dreams May Come
Rose
June 25, 2013
My condolences to the Matheson family. May God provide your family with peace.(Romans 15:33)
forever after new place of calm`ripRichard
Victoria&Andrew
June 25, 2013
Our Condolences for
Richard Matheson an
His family..
Richard had the venue
for scifi - movies
as well as those
written pages for
those that had a part
of icon movie film
star/crew to Host
in Brillant wear
Unique style creative
movie screen Knowledge
thank you Richard~amen~
June 25, 2013
I have loved your stories. You encourage me to be a writer. The Twilight Zone was one of your my wonderful contributions along with Mr. Serling. Thank you for all you've done.
Nash Mitchell
Atlanta, GA
louise wisinski
June 25, 2013
You were/are the only Sci/Fi writer I've ever read. You were amazing. Rest In Peace.
June 25, 2013
SOMEWHERE IN TIME.......
Amy Visnaw
June 25, 2013
While nothing can really be said to ease the pain of his passing, please know that, in his words, he will live on. A beloved author...Bid Time Return (Somewhere in Time) sparked a tremendous interest in time travel stories in a young girl, an interest which I still have, forty years later. May you find peace.
June 25, 2013
My sincere condolences go out to Mr. Matheson's family and friends. He was such a talented and imaginative writer, and I am certain he will be very missed by many.
Jim
June 25, 2013
Mr. Matheson had a strong influence on a young boy in the early 60s ... at least for this young boy in the early 60s. All 16 of his stories on the Twilight Zone have had an ongoing effect on this no longer so young boy.
Thank you sir.
Karen B
June 25, 2013
A wonderful, creative, imaginative writer.
June 25, 2013
My sincere condolences to the family. May you seek peace and comfort from the God of all comfort.
Les Breese
June 25, 2013
Richard Matheson will continue to be one of my favorite writers in the sci-fi genre, and the suspense and irony created in his stories such as "Duel" are true masterpieces. We have lost a genuine talent with his passing.
Tam B
June 25, 2013
I absolutely ADORED his works. Every story mentioned was a masterpiece, yes even the screenplays. I remember Mr. King mentioning his influence. He could spin a yarn that could draw you in and make you BELIEVE it could really happen like that. Thank you for the fabulous reads and tv shows. He leave an amazing legacy. My condolences to his family and friends.
June 25, 2013
May the peace of God that excels all thought comfort the family during this time of sadness.
Michael Shaw
June 25, 2013
So sorry to learn of this great man's passing. He had an imagination for the ages.
Cheryl
June 25, 2013
I am sorry for your loss Matheson family.May the comfort only God can give be with you.
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