Forrest J Ackerman was, perhaps, the most beloved figure in all of Science Fiction. He was a gentle, fatherly influence to millions of "children" of all ages around the world, and inspired the careers of such luminaries as Steven Spielberg, George Lucas, Stephen King, and John Landis. His boyhood friends included Ray Bradbury and Ray Harryhausen.
He edited "Famous Monsters Of Filmland" Magazine for twenty five years in its initial run, and coined the term "Sci-Fi." "Forry" passed from this Earth in December, 2008, but his tender soul still touches us deeply. I was honored to call him my treasured friend for some forty five years and, as his friend, have been asked by the editors of The Thunder Child to compose a personal remembrance of the man and his legend. I'm honored to share a few sweet recollections of my memories of The Ackermonster. I hope that they may bring a smile to your lips, and peace to your hearts. You'll discover Forry at the link found lovingly below.
Originally posted by Doug Spaulding: A 4E memorial is scheduled for 1/24 at the LASFS.
I just received an email from Ray, who asked me to pass along his tribute to 4E, as he is under other obligations that day. For those who will not be there (possibly including me), the text follows:
"I was with Forry a few weeks before he left us and was able to look into his face and tell him of the million things he did for me over a seventy year period. Forry changed my life completely starting when I was 17 and paid for my Futuria Fantasia completely. He then loaned me the money to go to New York to see the first World Science Fiction Convention. There are so many things that he did and he was so wonderful. Please pass this message along to all my LASFS friends. I'm sorry that I can't be there with you."
- Ray Bradbury
"Live Forever!"
29 January 2009, 06:55 PM
Steve Vertlieb
On the chance that anyone on the forum had any difficulty logging onto my remembrance of Forry...The Most "Famous Monster" Of Them All...published at the Thunder Child Sci-Fi web site, I thought I'd take a moment to post the direct link to the tribute. It is my hope that this affectionate look at a forty five year friendship might help to bring peace to your hearts, and a smile to your lips.
Hi Steve. It's me, John. In case "Doug Spaulding" confused you.
Loved the photo you just emailed me of you guys and Ray - you should post it here for the folks to see.
"Live Forever!"
30 January 2009, 02:04 AM
Steve Vertlieb
I'm afraid I'm not terribly computer literate. If you'd like to post the photograph, you've my permission. It was taken by mutual friend, composer/orchestrator John Morgan, in Ray's living room in the Summer of 1974. My little brother Erwin, and I, were the honored guests that evening in Ray's Los Angeles home. Knowing my love of film, Ray was eager to show us a few minutes of the Technicolour 16mm print of "Moby Dick" he'd been given by John Huston. It was a wonderful evening.
Blessings,
Steve
30 January 2009, 08:17 AM
jkt
Nard/Richard/Doug: Now that they have announced a musical stage version of Thriller who should play 4E? I'm thinking Donn Albright or Sean Connery.
John King Tarpinian You know what you are, Mr. Bradbury? ... You are a poet! -- Aldous Huxley
30 January 2009, 10:17 AM
Doug Spaulding
quote:
Originally posted by Steve Vertlieb: I'm afraid I'm not terribly computer literate. If you'd like to post the photograph, you've my permission. It was taken by mutual friend, composer/orchestrator John Morgan, in Ray's living room in the Summer of 1974. My little brother Erwin, and I, were the honored guests that evening in Ray's Los Angeles home. Knowing my love of film, Ray was eager to show us a few minutes of the Technicolour 16mm print of "Moby Dick" he'd been given by John Huston. It was a wonderful evening.
"Live Forever!"
01 February 2009, 12:32 AM
Nard Kordell
You'll likely find photos here of Forry Ackerman long forgotten or never laid eyes on:
NOTE- check out #63-64 photos. (2nd page, 4th row down, the 2, far right photos). Click on the pictures to magnify and get a really close look at 4E's working area.
John King Tarpinian You know what you are, Mr. Bradbury? ... You are a poet! -- Aldous Huxley
05 February 2009, 04:24 PM
Doug Spaulding
quote:
Originally posted by jkt: ...the auction of 4E's treasure trove.
This is just sad - breaking up the family.
"Live Forever!"
06 February 2009, 01:03 AM
dandelion
It's wrong. The original Ackermansion should never have been broken up. If only some of Forry's influential friends had moved to secure the collection while he lived and arranged to house it after his passing!