Saturday, August 10, 2019
Biography of Michael Crichton:
Michael Crichton (October 23, 1942 – November 4, 2008) was an American author, physician, film director, producer, and screenwriter, best known for his contributions to the science fiction and thriller genres.
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| Biography of Michael Crichton |
Here is a brief biography of Michael Crichton:
Michael Crichton's Early Life and Education:
John Michael Crichton was born in Chicago, Illinois, to John Henderson Crichton, a journalist, and Zula Miller Crichton, a homemaker. He showed an early interest in writing and science, and by the age of 14, he had published a travel article in The New York Times.
Crichton attended Harvard College, where he studied literature and graduated summa cum laude in 1964. While at Harvard Medical School, he began writing novels under pseudonyms to help support his education.
Early Writing Career:
Crichton's early novels, written while he was still a student, include works like "Odds On" (1966) and "Scratch One" (1967). However, it was his breakthrough novel, "The Andromeda Strain" (1969), that established him as a best-selling author. The book, a techno-thriller about a deadly extraterrestrial microorganism, was a critical and commercial success.
Medical Career:
Despite his success as a writer, Crichton completed his medical degree at Harvard Medical School and briefly worked as a postdoctoral fellow at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies in La Jolla, California. His experiences in the medical field later influenced several of his novels.
Michael Crichton's Film and Television Career:
Crichton's talent extended beyond writing, and he became involved in the film and television industry. He wrote and directed the 1973 film "Westworld," which was one of the first films to use computer-generated imagery. He continued his success in filmmaking with movies like "Coma" (1978) and "The Great Train Robbery" (1978).
Crichton also created the long-running television series "ER," which premiered in 1994 and became one of the most successful medical dramas in television history.
Bestselling Novels:
In addition to "The Andromeda Strain," Crichton wrote numerous bestselling novels, often combining science, technology, and suspense. Some of his notable works include:
"Jurassic Park" (1990) and its sequel "The Lost World" (1995), exploring the consequences of genetic engineering and the resurrection of dinosaurs.
"Disclosure" (1994), addressing issues of sexual harassment and gender dynamics in the workplace.
"Timeline" (1999), involving time travel and historical adventures.
Personal Life of Michael Crichton:
Michael Crichton was married five times and had one child. He was known for being private about his personal life. In addition to his writing and filmmaking pursuits, Crichton was an avid collector of modern and contemporary art.
Legacy:
Michael Crichton's works have had a lasting impact on popular culture. His novels often explore the ethical and moral implications of scientific advancements and technological innovation. Crichton's storytelling, which blends scientific accuracy with gripping narratives, has made him a beloved figure in the realms of science fiction and techno-thrillers.
Michael Crichton passed away on November 4, 2008, at the age of 66, but his literary and cinematic contributions continue to be widely celebrated and influential.