Richard Matheson

Date of Birth: February 20, 1926

Zodiac Sign: Pisces

Date of Death: June 23, 2013

Biography

Richard Matheson was an American author and screenwriter, renowned for his work in the genres of horror, science fiction, and fantasy. Born on February 20, 1926, in Allendale, New Jersey, Matheson grew up in Brooklyn, New York. He graduated from Brooklyn Technical High School and went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism from the University of Missouri in 1949. After serving in World War II, Matheson moved to California to pursue a career in writing. Matheson first gained prominence with his novel “I Am Legend” (1954), which has been adapted into multiple films, including “The Last Man on Earth” (1964), “The Omega Man” (1971), and “I Am Legend” (2007). His work on “The Twilight Zone” television series is also highly acclaimed, with episodes like “Nightmare at 20,000 Feet” becoming cultural landmarks. In addition to his novels and short stories, Matheson wrote screenplays for numerous films, including “The Incredible Shrinking Man” (1957) and “Duel” (1971), directed by Steven Spielberg. His influence extends to contemporary writers such as Stephen King, who has cited Matheson as a major influence on his work.

5 Interesting Facts about Richard Matheson

1. Richard Matheson’s novel “I Am Legend” is considered a cornerstone of the modern vampire genre.

2. He wrote 16 episodes of the original “The Twilight Zone” series, many of which are considered classics.

3. Matheson received the World Fantasy Award for Life Achievement in 1984.

4. His short story “Button, Button” was adapted into the film “The Box” (2009).

5. Matheson was inducted into the Science Fiction Hall of Fame in 2010.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Richard Matheson

1. “There are no happy endings in history, only crisis points that pass.”

2. “Reality is just a crutch for people who can’t handle science fiction.”

3. “The true horror is not in the shadows, but in what lurks within us.”

4. “I don’t write for the public. I write for myself.”

5. “My imagination completely controls me, and forever feeds the fire that burns with dark red light in my heart by bringing me the best dreams.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

The highest net worth Richard Matheson achieved was estimated to be around $5 million.

Children

Richard Matheson had four children: three sons, Richard Christian Matheson, Chris Matheson, and Ali Matheson, and one daughter, Bettina Matheson. Richard Christian Matheson followed in his father’s footsteps and became a prolific writer, specializing in horror and thriller genres.