Ray Bradbury, the acclaimed science fiction author, has died aged 91.
Bradbury, whose work included the short story collection The Martian Chronicles and the dystopian novel Fahrenheit 451, sold more than 8m copies of his books during his lifetime. They were translated into more than 30 languages.
Animator Ray Harryhausen, a schoolfriend of Bradbury's who collaborated with him on their first film, The Beast from 20,000 Fathoms, in 1953, put the following message up on his facebook page this afternoon:
I am so very sorry to hear about Ray. I met him when we were teenagers and we have been a close friend for over 80 years. I have lost a dear friend and the world has lost a wonderful and talented man.
Over on Twitter, fans including Neil Gaiman, Margaret Atwood, Jonathan Ross and Mia Farrow have been paying tribute to Bradbury. Here's what some of them had to say.
Author Margaret Atwood, who picked out Fahrenheit 451 as her favourite SF novel and contributed to Shadow Show, a collection of short stories in celebration of Bradbury, wrote:
So sad to hear of Ray Bradbury's death. @Sam__Weller + I planned to visit him just before ComicCon. Shadow Show tribute made him happy...
— Margaret E. Atwood (@MargaretAtwood) June 6, 2012
Neil Gaiman, author of The Sandman, American Gods, Coraline and more, recorded an audio version of his own Shadow Show contribution yesterday:
Yesterday I recorded " the man who forgot Ray Bradbury". Rest in peace, Ray. We won't ever forget.
— Neil Gaiman (@neilhimself) June 6, 2012
Darren Shan, Irish author of horror and fantasy books, was also influenced by Bradbury. He tweeted:
VERY sad to hear that Ray Bradbury has died. He was one of my favourite authors, and a big influence on my style. We have lost a giant. RIP.
— Darren Shan (@darrenshan) June 6, 2012
Mark Gatiss, the author and screenwriter best known for being a member of comedy team The League of Gentlemen tweeted his respects too:
'First of all it was October, a rare month for boys'. RIP Ray Bradbury. A dazzling, incredibly humane imagination like no other.
— Mark Gatiss (@Markgatiss) June 6, 2012
Actor Mia Farrow sent a simple message of thanks and condolence:
Rest in Peace Ray BradburyThank youbit.ly/MFjUwm
— mia farrow (@MiaFarrow) June 6, 2012
Jonathan Ross, the British chat show host with a passion for all things SF, recalled his childhood love of Bradbury's books:
The GREAT Ray Bradbury has left the planet. When I was younger I read no one else. Was lucky enough to shake his hand. R is for RIP.
— jonathan ross (@wossy) June 6, 2012
Mia Farrow's son Ronan tweets an inspirational Bradbury quote:
"Jump, and you will find out how to unfold your wings as you fall." - Ray Bradbury. RIP.
— Ronan Farrow (@RonanFarrow) June 6, 2012
Meanwhile, US comic book author Gail Simone urges her followers to pay tribute to Bradbury by doing something creative:
Ray Bradbury was one of the best ambassadors for the human imagination ever. Honor him by doing something creative today.
— GailSimone (@GailSimone) June 6, 2012
And US author Joe Hill makes reference to Bradbury's fascination with dinosaurs:
Poet-king Ray Bradbury, who wrote not with ink but dandelion wine, is off adventuring again. We'll miss you. Shoot a dinosaur for us, Ray.
— Joe Hill (@joe_hill) June 6, 2012
Founding Anthrax member and contributor to DC Comics, Scott Ian, also remembered Bradbury's influence on his childhood:
RIP Ray Bradbury. You made childhood a better place with your words.
— Scott Ian (@Scott_Ian) June 6, 2012
While Salman Rushdie brings Bradbury's legacy to mind:
RIP Ray Bradbury.The Illustrated Man,The Martian Chronicles,Fahrenheit 451:he lives on as a shelf of books. And a script:Huston's Moby-Dick.
— Salman Rushdie (@SalmanRushdie) June 6, 2012
And film director Edgar Wright hails the influence of Bradbury on everyone's imagination:
A standing ovation for Mr Ray Bradbury. Our imagination will be dimmer without him.
— edgarwright (@edgarwright) June 6, 2012
What are your memories of Ray Bradbury? Share them in the comments below.
