Writer Richard Matheson dies at 87

Richard Matheson, known for writing ‘I Am Legend’, has passed away

By Nicole Hamer |

12:56 25 June 2013

The sci-fi writer Richard Matheson has died at the age of 87. It is understood that Mr. Matheson passed away on Sunday, 23rd June, 2013.

News of his death was confirmed by the writer’s daughter, who said that her father had passed away 'surrounded by the people and things he loved’.

Mr. Matheson, who also wrote fantasy, wrote I Am Legend – the novel from the 1950’s – among other works.

This was made into a number of films. In particular, many people may remember the recent version starring Will Smith, which was released in 2007 and was directed by Francis Lawrence.

He also wrote The Shrinking Man, among other works.

Steven Spielberg said in a statement that: “Richard Matheson's ironic and iconic imagination created seminal science-fiction stories and gave me my first break when he wrote the short story and screenplay for Duel.”

He added that Mr. Matheson’s Twilight Zones were “among my favourites”.

Mr. Matheson was born in New Jersey. He was raised in Brooklyn, in New York.

He leaves behind his wife and four children.