LOS ANGELES – Richard Matheson, the prolific science-fiction and fantasy writer whose I Am Legend and The Shrinking Man were transformed into films, has died. He was 87.
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 science-fiction 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 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.
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