Some sad news from the weekend to report; writer/director Tim Sullivan (2,001 Maniacs, Driftwood) sent word to the dudes over at Shock Till You Drop the Godfather of geekdom Forrest J. Ackerman appears to literally be on his deathbed.
Sullivan had the following to offer on this sad turn of events:
“I honestly believe he has been hanging on much longer than he would have liked to, hanging on more for us than himself.
“After being diagnosed with congestive heart failure, he requested no further treatment and asked to be allowed to “say goodbye”.”
Best known as the editor/writer of Famous Monsters of Filmland and creator of comic book character Vampirella, Ackerman has played a large role (if not the largest) in the wide cultural acceptance of horror and science fiction as legitimate literary, art and film genres. No one has done more, I’m sure you’re aware, to spread the gospel of science fiction, horror, and fantasy fandom than Forrest J. Ackerman.
Those of you that would like to send your best wishes to Uncle Forry can send your letters to:
FORREST J ACKERMAN
4511 Russell Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90027
5 comments
Wow, I came a couple of decades after his heyday, but "Forrest J Ackerman's Worlds of Science Fiction" literally helped shape my childhood love of sci-fi. Funnily enough, I'd been wondering about him recently. Probably because of the Rue Morgue cover.
It's a shame, but he's had a good run (he's 92, I think?). My love for all things horror and sci-fi is thanks largely in part to him and Famous Monsters of Filmland. Thanks, Dr. Acula!!!
A damn shame. Miss him already.
Saw him at Dragon Con one year, he boob touched the Vampi model on stage if I'm not mistaken.
Forry's the man that got me into my love of all things sci-fi and horror over forty years ago. Just because this day has been long in coming doesn't make it any less sad. I'll always regret never touring the Ackermansion and meeting the man himself.
Comments are shown as archived from the original site; new comments are closed.