Michael Crichton has written his final word

Sad news today, with the passing of author Michael Crichton. Cancer took him.

Born John Michael Crichton, the man wrote dozens of best-selling sci-fi thrillers that inspired more than a dozen movies and TV series including “Jurassic Park,” “Sphere” and “The Andromeda Strain”.

“While the world knew him as a great storyteller that challenged our preconceived notions about the world around us — and entertained us all while doing so — his wife Sherri, daughter Taylor, family and friends knew Michael Crichton as a devoted husband, loving father and generous friend who inspired each of us to strive to see the wonders of our world through new eyes,” his family said in a statement.

“He was the greatest at blending science with big theatrical concepts, which is what gave credibility to dinosaurs again walking the earth,” said “Park” helmer Steven Spielberg, “In the early days, Michael had just sold ‘The Andromeda Strain’ to Robert Wise at Universal and I had recently signed on as a contract TV director there. Michael was a gentle soul who reserved his flamboyant side for his novels.”

“Twister”, “Jurassic Park” and “The Lost World”, all based on Crichton’s novels, are three of the highest-grossing films of all time.

Crichton had also directed movies too – he helmed “Westworld” and “The Great Train Robbery”.

Published by HarperCollins since his 2002 thriller “Prey,” Crichton was working on another novel during the illness before his death. Publishers say the book might never be released because the writer never discussed his work before it was completed.