Richard Matheson

Richard Matheson was a prominent American author, born on February 20, 1926, in Allendale, New Jersey. He was the son of Norwegian immigrants Bertolf and Fanny Matheson, who later divorced when he was eight years old. Raised in Brooklyn, New York, by his mother, Matheson developed an early interest in storytelling, inspired by Kenneth Roberts' novels, the film "Dracula," and a poem in The Brooklyn Eagle. At the age of eight, he had his first story published in this publication.

After graduating from Brooklyn Technical High School and serving in the United States Army during World War II, Matheson pursued a Bachelor of Arts in journalism at the University of Missouri's School of Journalism in 1949. His writing career began with the publication of his first short story, "Born of Man and Woman," in the Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction in 1950. This tale of a monstrous child chained in its parents' cellar quickly gained popularity and established Matheson's reputation in the genre.

Matheson's works often blurred the lines between science fiction, horror, and fantasy, and many of his novels were adapted into films. Some of his most notable works include "I Am Legend," "The Shrinking Man," "Hell House," "What Dreams May Come," "Somewhere in Time," "A Stir of Echoes," and "Button, Button." Additionally, he wrote screenplays for several episodes of the iconic TV series "The Twilight Zone," including "Nightmare at 20,000 Feet."

Richard Matheson passed away in Los Angeles, California, on June 23, 2013, at the age of 87, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the realms of horror, science fiction, and fantasy. His works have not only captivated readers but also inspired numerous film adaptations and other authors, including Stephen King.