Richard Matheson, 'I Am Legend' Author, Dies At 87
Richard Burton Matheson, author and screenwriter, has passed away this past Sunday, June 23. He was 87. A number of his science fiction novels were turned into movies and TV shows, but Matheson is most well known for his novel and subsequent movie of the same name, "I Am Legend."
The most recent film adaptation of "I Am Legend" came out in 2007 and starred Will Smith. The original novel "I am Legend" was written in 1954.
Several other Matheson novels were adapted to film, including "Hell House," "The Shrinking Man," "A Stir of Echoes," and "What Dreams May Come."
Matheson's son made a statement about his father's death on his Facebook page.
"As monumental as he is as a writer, he was every bit that as a husband, father, grandfather and friend. He was my hero and my best friend and I loved him deeply. I will miss him forever. I know we all will," Richard Christian Matheson, son of the prolific author, wrote.
The president of the Academy of Science Fiction, Horror and Fantasy Films, Richard Holguin released a statement praising Matheson.
"We are heartbroken to lose a writer of towering talent, unlimited imagination and unparalleled inspiration. 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 was set to receive the academy's prestigious Visionary Award at the Saturn Awards Ceremony scheduled for this Wednesday. The academy will grant him the Visionary Award posthumously, CNN reports.
Matheson was 87 when he died in his home. The cause of death is currently unknown. The author is survived by his wife and four children.
