Work : Published/ Exhibited/ Released 1957 (Sold first article at 14)
Social : End a program of study 1964 (Graduated from Harvard)
Relationship : Marriage 1965 (Joan Radam for five years)
Work : Published/ Exhibited/ Released 1969 ("Andromeda Strain")
Work : Prize 1970 ("Medical Writer of the Year" award)
Relationship : Marriage 1987 (Anne-Marie Martin)
Family : Change in family responsibilities 8 February 1989 (Daughter Taylor born) chart Placidus Equal_H.
Relationship : Divorce dates 5 September 2002 (Anne Marie filed for divorce) chart Placidus Equal_H.
Death:Death by Disease 4 November 2008 in Los Angeles (Throat cancer, age 66) chart Placidus Equal_H.
American writer, the author of best-selling sci-fi thrillers, many of which were made into movies. Handsome, 6 9", he was a physician and assistant to Dr. Jonas Salk. By age 30 he had sold over 300 articles to prestigious magazines and quit medicine when "Andromeda Strain" 1969, became a great hit. The oldest of four kids of advertising executive, John Henderson and Zula (Miller) Crichton, Michael was raised with sisters Kimberly and Catherine and brother Douglas in Roslyn, Long Island. English usage was the favorite subject of conversation at the dinner table. Crichton wrote scripts for puppet shows in the third grade and long short-stories in the sixth grade. He sold an article to the travel section of the "Times" for $60 at age 14. Crichton enjoyed reading Edgar Allan Poe and Sir Arthur Conon Doyle as a kid but credits Alfred Hitchcock movies as the major influence in fueling his love of crime and suspense drama. After a B.A. degree summa cum laude in anthropology at Harvard in 1964 he did anthropological and ethnological field work in Europe on a travel fellowship. While in England he was impressed with the popular spy novel "The Ipcress File" which later influenced his first major writing success "The Andromeda Strain." While at Harvard Medical School Crichton published several novels under pseudonyms to earn money while working for his M.D. degree. During the last few months as a medical student, Crichton researched "Five Patients; The Hospital Explained" which was hailed as "an elegant, wise, and exciting study" by his peers and earned him "1970 Medical Writer of the Year" by the Association of American Medical Writers. As a postdoctoral fellow at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies in La Jolla, California after his graduation from the Harvard Medical School, Crichton decided that he was not dedicated enough to practice medicine and decided upon a writing career. Crichton went on to write "The Terminal Man" as well as pseudonymous output. He wrote and directed the movie "Westworld." Other major works include "The Great Train Robbery" (he also directed the film) "Travels," "Congo," "Sphere," "Jurassic Park" and "Rising Sun." Crichton was married to high school sweetheart Joan Radam for five years (1965-1970). He married lawyer Kathleen St. Johns, but that marriage ended when she wanted to pursue her own career. His third marriage to Suzanne Childs, a broadcast journalist turned lawyer, also ended. He met his fourth wife, actress Anne-Marie Martin, when he was directing Tom Selleck in the movie "Runaway" in 1984. They married in 1987 and have a daughter named Taylor, 2/08/1989. He gave up a 19-year cigarette habit when she was born. Crichton lives in the Hollywood Hills and has an art collection including works by Oldenburg, Johns, Rauschenberg, Stella, Warhol and Lichtenstein. He once enjoyed auto racing, but went on to concentrate on SCUBA diving and tennis. He reads approximately 300 books a year and enjoys watching approximately 60 movies a year. He is a member of Phi Beta Kappa and is a member of the Writers Guild of America West, the Mystery Writers of America and the Authors Guild. On 9/05/2002, Anne Marie filed for divorced from their 13-year marriage. Proceedings were apparently supposed to be kept hush-hush, but now Crichton claims that attorney Stephen Kolodny made statements on television earlier this month about the couples marriage and about Crichtons relationship with his 13-year-olRead less
Michael Crichton, born on October 23, 1942, in Chicago, Illinois, was a renowned American author, screenwriter, film director, and producer. He is best known for his work in the science fiction, techno-thriller, and medical fiction genres. Unfortunately, he passed away on November 4, 2008, due to lymphoma.
Crichton achieved widespread recognition for his blend of scientific accuracy and compelling storytelling. Some of his most famous novels include:
Many of his novels were adapted into successful films, often with Crichton's involvement as screenwriter or director. He also created the popular television series ER.
Michael Crichton left a lasting impact on popular culture. His works often explored the ethical and societal implications of scientific advancements, sparking discussions and debates. His meticulous research and attention to detail lent his stories a sense of realism that captivated audiences. While he is no longer with us, his books and films continue to be enjoyed by millions worldwide. Due to the time of his career, social media presence during his life was minimal.
Information about Crichton's estate and ongoing projects can be challenging to find publicly. HarperCollins continues to publish his books. The Michael Crichton official website (maintained by his estate) offers some information but is not frequently updated.
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