Michael Crichton: Movies & Box Office

John Michael Crichton (/ˈkraɪtən/; October 23, 1942 – November 4, 2008) was an American author, screenwriter, director, and producer. He is best known for his work in the science fiction, techno-thriller, and medical fiction genres. His books have sold over 200 million copies worldwide and nearly all of them have been adapted into films. Notable works include The Andromeda Strain (1969), Jurassic Park (1990), and the television series ER (1994–2009). Crichton's novels often explore how technology and human activities can lead to unforeseen consequences. Many of his works are cautionary tales featuring detailed, well-researched exposition on topics ranging from biotechnology to climate change. Despite receiving an M.D. from Harvard Medical School in 1969, he chose to pursue a writing career instead. His reputation as a writer of provocative, meticulously-researched fiction often addressing the intersection of technology and society ensured his legacy in popular literature. He was a workaholic and his habit of working in isolation, followed by his public appearances promoting his work, became a model for other writers in the digital age.