35 Facts About Michael Crichton

Early Life and Education

Michael Crichton's journey began in Chicago, Illinois, where he was born on October 23, 1942. His early years were marked by a strong interest in writing and a diverse educational background.

1. Michael Crichton was born to John Henderson Crichton, a journalist, and Zula Miller Crichton, a homemaker. He was raised in Roslyn, New York, on Long Island.
2. Crichton showed a keen interest in writing from a young age. At 16, he had an article about a trip he took to Sunset Crater published in The New York Times.
3. Crichton began his studies at Harvard College in 1960, initially focusing on literature. However, he became disillusioned with one of his professors and conducted an experiment to expose the professor's perceived unfair grading. He submitted an essay by George Orwell under his own name and received a B-.
4. Frustrated with the English department, Crichton switched his undergraduate concentration to biological anthropology. He earned his Bachelor's degree in biological anthropology summa cum laude in 1964 and was initiated into the Phi Beta Kappa Society.
5. Crichton later enrolled at Harvard Medical School. However, he realized he hated medical school about two weeks into his studies and never pursued a medical license.
6. After medical school, Crichton served as a postdoctoral fellow at the Jonas Salk Institute for Biological Science from 1969 to 1970.

Writing Career and Pseudonyms

Crichton's writing career took off while he was still a student. He used pseudonyms to help pay for his education and to separate his medical career from his writing.

7. While still a medical student, Crichton began writing under pseudonyms John Lange and Jeffrey Hudson. These pen names were often used to help mitigate the cost of tuition.
8. His first published novel under his own name was The Andromeda Strain (1969), which became a bestseller and established him as a serious author.

Best-Selling Novels and Film Adaptations

Crichton's novels often explored the intersection of technology and humanity, making him a prominent figure in both medical fiction and techno-thrillers.

9. Many of Crichton's novels were adapted into films, with some of his most notable works including Jurassic Park (1990), The Terminal Man (1972), The Great Train Robbery (1975), and Congo (1980).
10. The idea for Jurassic Park was initially conceived by a graduate student, but Crichton developed the concept further. The novel was published in 1990 and became a massive success, leading to a film adaptation directed by Steven Spielberg in 1993.

Contributions to Television

Crichton also made significant contributions to television, most notably with the creation of a hit medical drama series.

11. Crichton created the hit medical TV series ER, which was based on his experiences during his time as a medical student. He wrote the series pilot “24 Hours” and served as an Executive Producer throughout the show's 15 seasons.

Film Career

Crichton was not just a writer; he also ventured into filmmaking, writing and directing several films.

12. Crichton was also involved in the film industry, writing and directing several films, including Westworld (1973), Coma (1978), The First Great Train Robbery (1978), Looker (1981), and Runaway (1984).

Personal Life and Interests

Crichton's personal life and interests were as diverse as his professional endeavors.

13. Crichton was 6'9" tall, which led to the use of pseudonyms like John Lange (Lange meaning “long” in German) and Jeffrey Hudson (inspired by a little person in English king Charles I’s court).
14. At the time of his death, Crichton had a significant collection of 20th-century art, which included works by artists like Picasso, Jasper Johns, and Warhol. The collection was auctioned off in 2010.
15. Crichton was friends with the artist Jasper Johns and even wrote a coffee table book about Johns' career, Jasper Johns.
16. In the mid-1980s, Crichton co-wrote a video game called Amazon, based on his novel Congo. The game was a commercial success, selling 100,000 copies.
17. The 1973 film Westworld, which Crichton wrote and directed, was highly influential and popular during its time. The HBO series adaptation in 2016 was also based on his writing.
18. Crichton was married five times, with his first marriage being to Joan Radam.
19. Crichton initially wrote thrillers under pseudonyms to pay off his medical school debt. He was concerned that his patients might be put off by the idea of having a doctor who was also an author.

Scientific Research and Ethical Debates

Crichton was known for his meticulous research and often explored the ethical implications of emerging technologies.

20. Crichton was known for his meticulous research, which often involved consulting with experts in various fields. For example, he studied Japanese-American relations extensively before writing Rising Sun.
21. In his novel State of Fear, Crichton took a polemical stance on global warming, exploring the ethical boundaries of scientific research and its implications on society.
22. Crichton’s works often explored the ethical implications of emerging technologies like nanotechnology and genetic engineering. His novel Prey (2002) delves into the dangers of nanotechnology, while Next (2005) examines the ethical boundaries of genetic engineering.

Posthumous Publications and Legacy

Even after his death, Crichton's work continued to captivate audiences, and his legacy remains influential.

23. After Crichton’s death in 2008, two completed manuscripts were discovered: Pirate Latitudes and Dragon Teeth. The novels were published in 2009 and 2017, respectively.
24. The novel Micro (2011) was derived from a partially finished manuscript that was expanded by science writer Richard Preston at the behest of Crichton’s family. The book imagines the sinister applications of miniaturization technology.
25. Crichton was an avid traveler and described many of his adventures in the autobiographical Travels (1988).
26. In the 1980s, Crichton operated a computer software company called FilmTrack for a short period. He also produced the computer game Amazon.
27. Crichton’s books have sold over 200 million copies worldwide, making him one of the best-selling authors of his time.
28. Several of Crichton’s works have been adapted into films, with many receiving critical acclaim. The TV series ER, which he created, won 116 awards during its 15 seasons, including a Peabody Award.

Influence on Science Fiction and Popular Culture

Crichton's contributions to science fiction and popular culture are significant and enduring.

29. Crichton’s contributions to science fiction are significant, as his works often explored the intersection of technology and humanity. His cautionary tales about biotechnology and genetic modification continue to influence contemporary science fiction.
30. Crichton’s influence extends beyond literature and film. His ideas about the dangers of emerging technologies have been discussed in various fields, including science, ethics, and policy.

Personal Traits and Medical Background

Crichton's personal traits and medical background played a crucial role in shaping his writing.

31. Crichton’s personal life was marked by his tall stature, which sometimes made him feel uncomfortable. He was known for his wit and humor, often using his writing as a means to escape the challenges of his childhood.
32. Despite not practicing medicine, Crichton’s medical training provided a rich background for his writing. His novels often featured medical or scientific underpinnings, reflecting his deep understanding of the field.
33. Crichton was often criticized by the scientific community for being sensationalist. However, he was known for his careful research and meticulous study of the science underlying his premises.

Impact on Television and Film

Crichton's impact on television and film extends beyond his own works, influencing the broader landscape.

34. Crichton’s impact on television and film extends beyond his own works. His creation of ER and his involvement in other projects have influenced the medical drama genre and the broader television landscape.
35. Crichton’s works continue to captivate audiences with their blend of science, technology, and suspense, making him a lasting figure in the literary and cinematic world.

Crichton's Lasting Legacy

Michael Crichton left an indelible mark on literature, film, and television. His knack for blending science, technology, and suspense created stories that captivated millions. From the groundbreaking Jurassic Park to the influential ER, Crichton's works continue to resonate. His meticulous research and imaginative storytelling set a high bar in the techno-thriller genre. Despite criticisms, his exploration of ethical boundaries in science sparked important conversations. Crichton's influence extends beyond his lifetime, with posthumous publications like Pirate Latitudes and Dragon Teeth adding to his rich legacy. His contributions to popular culture and science fiction remain significant, inspiring new generations of writers and filmmakers. Crichton's unique blend of medical knowledge and creative genius ensures his place as a lasting figure in both literary and cinematic worlds. His stories, filled with adventure and caution, continue to entertain and provoke thought.