Harry Harrison

Date of Birth: March 12, 1925

Zodiac Sign: Pisces

Date of Death: August 15, 2012

Biography

Harry Harrison was an American science fiction author best known for his novel “Make Room! Make Room!” which inspired the cult classic film “Soylent Green.” Born Henry Maxwell Dempsey, he later legally changed his name to Harry Harrison. Over his prolific career, he produced numerous works that cemented his status as a legendary figure in the science fiction genre. His humor, wit, and ability to weave complex social commentary into his stories earned him a dedicated following. Among his most notable contributions are the “Stainless Steel Rat” series and the “Bill, the Galactic Hero” series. Harrison’s work often explored themes of overpopulation, environmental degradation, and the folly of war, making him a forward-thinking writer whose narratives remain relevant today.

5 Interesting Facts about Harry Harrison

1. Harry Harrison served in the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II as a gunnery instructor.

2. He was fluent in multiple languages, including Esperanto, which he advocated for as an international auxiliary language.

3. Harrison was a founding member of the World Science Fiction Society.

4. His novel “Make Room! Make Room!” was a cautionary tale about the dangers of overpopulation, set in a dystopian future.

5. He received the Damon Knight Memorial Grand Master Award for lifetime achievement in science fiction and fantasy.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Harry Harrison

1. “The principles of science were taught to me in the same spirit as the Ten Commandments: with no evasion or compromise.”

2. “I write for the same reason I breathe—because if I didn’t, I would die.”

3. “The trouble with reality is that there is no background music.”

4. “There’s no secret to writing. It’s just a matter of sitting down and doing it.”

5. “The best way to predict the future is to invent it.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, Harry Harrison’s net worth was estimated to be around $5 million.

Children

Harry Harrison had two children: Todd Harrison and Moira Harrison. Both have maintained a degree of privacy, but Todd has occasionally spoken about his father’s legacy and influence on his own life.