Harlan Ellison

Date of Birth: May 27, 1934

Zodiac Sign: Gemini

Date of Death: June 28, 2018

Biography

Harlan Jay Ellison was an American writer known for his prolific work in science fiction, fantasy, and speculative fiction. Born in Cleveland, Ohio, Ellison’s career spanned over six decades, during which he wrote short stories, novellas, screenplays, teleplays, and essays. He garnered critical acclaim for his ability to blend sharp social commentary with imaginative storytelling. Ellison’s most famous works include the short story “I Have No Mouth, and I Must Scream” and the Star Trek episode “The City on the Edge of Forever.” He was a multiple Hugo, Nebula, and Bram Stoker Award winner and was inducted into the Science Fiction Hall of Fame. Ellison’s confrontational style and outspoken personality made him a controversial figure, but his contributions to the genre are undeniable.

5 Interesting Facts about Harlan Ellison

1. Harlan Ellison was known for his aggressive stance on the protection of intellectual property and actively fought against plagiarism and unauthorized adaptations of his work.

2. He served in the U.S. Army from 1957 to 1959, an experience that influenced some of his later writings.

3. Ellison was a frequent guest on talk shows and was known for his sharp wit and acerbic commentary.

4. He wrote scripts for several popular TV shows, including “The Outer Limits,” “Star Trek,” and “The Twilight Zone.”

5. Ellison once lived in a treehouse for a period, a testament to his unconventional lifestyle.