Michael Crichton, the author of novels such as Jurassic Park, Congo and The Lost World, has died in Los Angeles at the age of 66.
Crichton passed away after succumbing to a long battle against cancer, one that was kept private from the outside world throughout its duration. In a statement, his family said: “Through his books, Michael Crichton served as an inspiration to students of all ages, challenged scientists in many fields, and illuminated the mysteries of the world in a way we could all understand.”
During the Nineties, Crichton was one of the world’s most popular authors, particularly with the release of films based on his novels, such as the enduring popular Jurassic Park, The Andromeda Strain, and his creation of the television series ER, which launched the career of George Clooney. He graduated summa cum laude from Harvard College in 1964, before going on to obtain his MD from Harvard Medical School in 1969.
His novels frequently mixed scientific theory with fictional theories, often creating cautionary tales about the advances of modern technology and science. Despite this, his 2004 thriller State Of Fear cast doubt on the dangers of global warming, and he referred to environmentalism as being akin to a religion.
Crichton is survived by his wife and daughter, and leading Hollywood figures such as Steven Spielberg have already paid tribute to his memory.
