Theodore Sturgeon

Date of Birth: February 26, 1918

Zodiac Sign: Pisces

Date of Death: May 8, 1985

Biography

Theodore Sturgeon was a prolific American writer, particularly known for his work in the science fiction and horror genres. Born Edward Hamilton Waldo on February 26, 1918, in Staten Island, New York, he later changed his name to Theodore Sturgeon after his mother remarried and his stepfather adopted him. Sturgeon’s career spanned several decades, during which he wrote numerous short stories, novels, and scripts for television series such as “Star Trek” and “The Twilight Zone.” Sturgeon’s writing is celebrated for its rich character development, emotional depth, and innovative storytelling. His best-known works include the novel “More Than Human” (1953), which won the International Fantasy Award, and the short story “A Saucer of Loneliness” (1953). He was also known for coining “Sturgeon’s Law,” a cynical adage stating that “90% of everything is crud.” Sturgeon had a significant influence on later writers and remains a respected figure in speculative fiction. His contributions were recognized with numerous awards, including the Hugo, Nebula, and World Fantasy Awards. Sturgeon passed away on May 8, 1985, but his legacy endures through his extensive body of work.

5 Interesting Facts about Theodore Sturgeon

1. Theodore Sturgeon was a key scriptwriter for the original “Star Trek” series, penning the famous episode “Amok Time.”

2. He won the Hugo Award for Best Short Story in 1954 for “The World Well Lost,” a tale that was ahead of its time in addressing themes of homosexuality and alienation.

3. Sturgeon published more than 200 stories over his career, contributing significantly to the Golden Age of Science Fiction.

4. His novel “More Than Human” is considered a classic in the genre, exploring the concept of a gestalt being composed of multiple individuals with extraordinary abilities.

5. Theodore Sturgeon’s influence extends beyond literature, as he inspired the character Kilgore Trout in Kurt Vonnegut’s novels.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Theodore Sturgeon

1. “A science fiction story is a story built around human beings, with a human problem and a human solution, which would not have happened at all without its scientific content.”

2. “Ninety percent of everything is crud.”

3. “There is no real ending. It’s just the place where you stop the story.”

4. “Ask the next question.”

5. “The most progressive societies in the world, which are also the happiest, are those that have the least number of laws.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

The highest net worth achieved by Theodore Sturgeon is not well-documented, but his influence and contributions to the science fiction genre have left an indelible mark.

Children

Theodore Sturgeon had seven children: Robin Sturgeon, Tandy Sturgeon, Noël Sturgeon, Timothy Sturgeon, Andros Sturgeon, Patricia Sturgeon, and Samuel Sturgeon. His daughter Noël Sturgeon is a well-known academic specializing in environmental and feminist studies.