Michael Crichton

Author:
Michael Crichton

Date of birth: 23-Oct-1942
Place of birth: Chicago, Illinois, USA

About the author:
Michael Crichton was a best-selling American author, screenwriter, and director, whose work revolutionized the science fiction and thriller genres. Born in 1942 in Chicago, Crichton studied at Harvard College and later earned an M.D. from Harvard Medical School, although he chose to pursue writing over practicing medicine. His scientific background became a hallmark of his novels, which are known for combining suspenseful storytelling with complex scientific ideas.

Crichton gained early acclaim with The Andromeda Strain (1969), a gripping tale of an extraterrestrial microorganism, which set the tone for his career-long exploration of science gone awry. He went on to write numerous bestsellers, including Jurassic Park, Congo, Timeline, and Prey, many of which were adapted into successful films. He also wrote and directed films like Westworld (1973) and created the long-running medical drama ER, showcasing his versatility across media.

Known for his meticulous research and accessible writing style, Crichton used fiction to examine issues such as genetic engineering, artificial intelligence, and corporate ethics. His work has sold over 200 million copies worldwide. Michael Crichton passed away in 2008, but his influence on science fiction and popular culture remains profound.