Harlan Ellison, one of the world's most iconic science fiction writers, has passed away at the age of 83. The sad news comes to us all by way of a family friend via Twitter:
Susan Ellison has asked me to announce the passing of writer Harlan Ellison, in his sleep, earlier today. “For a brief time I was here, and for a brief time, I mattered.”—HE, 1934-2018. Arrangements for a celebration of his life are pending.
— Christine Valada (@mcvalada) June 28, 2018
During his time as a prolific writer of all things otherworldly and weird, Ellison penned a series of novels and short stories in addition to several nonfiction works, retrospectives and anthology-style collections. Among some of his most celebrated works the titles: The City on the Edge of Forever, I Have No Mouth and I Must Scream, Deathbird Stories, Again, Dagerous Visions, Strange Wine, Shatterday, The Beast That Shouted Love at the Heart of the World, and much more. In regard to film and television, Ellison lent his talents as a miscellaneous crew member of programs such as BABYLON 5, THE TWILIGHT ZONE reboot and THE SIXTH SENSE TV series. He also took up a fair bit of writing work while penning episodes of THE OUTER LIMITS, ROUTE 66, THE FLYING NUN, TALES FROM THE DARKSIDE and THE ALFRED HITCHCOCK HOUR. Furthermore, Ellison's A Boy and His Dog novella was made into a film in 1975, which starred a young Don Johnson.
Among his many achievements, Ellison's Star Trek episode, The City on the Edge of Forever, is often held in the highest regard by fans of the franchise. He was known by many as a persnickety creative, who often battled against others when being asked to make changes to his work. Be that as it may, his being known as a combative figure never kept him from producing amazing works, and people were typically humbled to collaborate with him.
During the course of his legendary career, Ellison had won multiple Nebula, Hugo, Edward, Writers Guild of America, and Edgar Allen Poe Awards – just to name a few. His presence in the literary and theatrical world will be sorely missed for certain.
We here at JoBlo wish Mr. Ellison's family and friends our most sincere condolences. May you find safe passage to the hereafter, Mr. Ellison, and rest well knowing that you've changed the landscape of science fiction more than a few times while you were with us.
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