Sir Terry Pratchett died eight years after first being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. The fantasy author is probably best-known for the Discworld novels.
Category Archives: Obituary
RIP Leonard Nimoy, Sci-Fi Legend
At the age of 83, Leonard Nimoy has passed away from end-stage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
I am, frankly, bereft of words at this moment. And I think our readers here know who he was and what his accomplishments were. Please share your thoughts down below. I may have something more coherent later today.
Mr. Nimoy, you did live long and you did prosper. Thank you for everything you did for us fans.
You will be missed, but never forgotten.
Here’s his final message on Twitter:
A life is like a garden. Perfect moments can be had, but not preserved, except in memory. LLAP
— Leonard Nimoy (@TheRealNimoy) February 23, 2015
H.R. Giger dead at 74
Renowned artist and creator of one of the most iconic science fiction monsters of all time, H.R. Giger has passed away at age 74.
The Swiss artist created horrific, biomechanical art for musicians and other media but came to global fame with his designs for 1979’s Alien for which he was awarded an Oscar.
I think we can all attribute at least one restless night of sleep to his creations.
R.I.P. Efrem Zimbalist Jr.
Efrem Zimbalist Jr. has passed away at age 95. Although they are not the most industry-respected roles on his resume, I’ll always remember him from Batman: The Animated Series (as the voice of Alfred Pennyworth) and from Remington Steele.
R.I.P., Gabriel Garcia Marquez
Hugely influential, Nobel-Prize-winning Colombian author Gabriel Garcia Marquez died at the age of 87. Marquez was known for his Magic Realist works, such as Love in the Time of Cholera and One Hundred Years of Solitude.
Harold Ramis, Dead at 69
There is no joy in the world today.
Harold Ramis’ films defined a good part of my adolescence. He will be sorely missed.
http://variety.com/2014/film/news/harold-ramis-dead-at-69-1201118556/
If anyone needs me, I’ll be watching Ghostbusters and Groundhog’s Day on a loop for a while.
R.I.P. Lou Scheimer (Oct. 19, 1928 – Oct. 17, 2013)
Animation legend Lou Scheimer passed away two days ago. I haven’t found a clear cause of death, but he had been dealing with heart problems and Parkinson’s disease for years. Readers my age may know his work better than his name: his IMDB page is here.
RIP Ann “A.C.” Crispin
Known, predominently, for her media tie-in novels, Ann Crispin made a name for herself in mainly male-oriented industry. She wrote original works as well as novels in the Star Trek, Star Wars, and V universes.
While some may look down their noses at tie-in novels, Crispin’s work has often been pointed to as some of the best around. Indeed, her novel, Yesterday’s Son was the first Star Trek novel to break onto the NYT Bestseller list.
On a personal note, I think I can point to her novelization of the original “V” miniseries as one of the first (if not the first) Science Fiction book I ever read.
She passed away today after a long battle with cancer. She did manage to post a farewell message to her friends and fans on Tuesday:
I’ve been hesitant to make this post, but it’s time. I want to thank you all for your good wishes and prayers. I fear my condition is deteriorating. I am doing the best I can to be positive but I probably don’t have an awful lot of time left. I want you all to know that I am receiving excellent care and am surrounded by family and friends.
I wish all aspiring writers the will to finish and a good contract. Please continue to monitor Writer Beware and be careful who you sign with. Victoria Strauss and Richard White are there to help.
I’ve asked Michael to collect and read me your messages. As I don’t know how things will proceed, I don’t know if I’ll have the strength to post on Facebook again.
In addition to her writing, she was the founder and chair of the Science Fiction Writers of America’s committee against scams AKA Writer Beware.
She is survived by her husband and fellow Sci-Fi author, Michael Capobianco.
RIP Fred Pohl (1919-2013)
Frederik Pohl passed away earlier today. Details are currently sparse, but they are likely to appear on his official website in due time.
Michael Ansara, R.I.P.
Michael Ansara has died this week at the age of 91. He had a long career as both actor and voice actor, but SF fans will remember him most as Kang, one of the first Klingons from Star Trek.