Richard Matheson, novelist and screenwriter dies at 87

Richard Matheson, a world-class writer whose novels I Am Legend andThe Shrinking Man were transformed into films has died. He was 87 at the time of his death.His publisher made public this news that Richard was ill from quite some time and took his last breath on Sunday at his home Calabasas, California.

The writer, who had a mindboggling career of 60 years, was a part of high budget films and also of TV serials. His works like What Dreams May Come, Real Steel, A Stir of Echoes and The Incredible Shrinking Man are still commended. Richard’s vampire novel I Am Legend gave way to three films i.e. 1964′sThe Last Man on Earth,1971′sOmega Man and2007′sI Am Legend. He was also responsible for writing an episodeNightmare at 20,000 Feet ofThe Twilight Zone which starredWilliam Shatner. The 2011 filmReal Steelwas also an adaptation of Steel episode ofThe Twilight Zone writtenby this ace writer.

Except these, his works include The Alfred Hitchcock Hour, Rod Serling’s Night Gallery, The Martian Chronicles and Amazing Stories. Richard Kelly, The Box director and Donnie Darkotwitted yesterday, “I loved Richard Matheson’s writing, and it was a huge honor getting to adapt his story ‘Button, Button’ into a film.” He had also been an inspiration for some authors and filmmakers like Stephen King and George Romero. Stephen stated about him, “the author who influenced me most as a writer”. Academy president of Science Fiction, Fantasy and Horror Films commented, “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.” Richard’s ideas will be missed and his writings will no more be able to serve the industry anymore.