Harlan Ellison dies at 84

Legendary writer's work inspired The Terminator

by Jennie Kermode

Harlan Ellison in Los Angeles
Harlan Ellison in Los Angeles Photo: Pip R Lagenta

Harlan Ellison, whose work was credited with inspiring The Terminator, has passed away at the age of 84, it emerged today. The writer, whose novella A Boy And His Dog was adapted into a film with Don Johnson, was famous for writing five stories a day for many years, and infamous (but much loved) for his temper.

Ellison was also known for campaigning for the writes of screenwriters, whom he felt were not adequately recognised by the film industry in the light of how much they contribute. He lobbied for an increase in writers' pay and for proper acknowledgement for writers whose ideas were adapted into films.

A prolific writer for the small screen, Ellison contributed to the likes of Babylon 5, The Outer Limits and The Twilight Zone. He was born in Ohio but moved to Los Angeles at the age of 28 and began writing film scripts, with successes including The Oscar and Jackpot. His famous short story I Have No Mouth And I Must Scream became a popular video game.

Ellison is survived by his wife, Susan.

Share this with others on...
News

'We don't have nearly enough films that talk about Sudanese women' Suzannah Mirghani on culture and politics in Cotton Queen

A moment of change David Arrow and Amber Paul on November 1963 and making the Oscar-qualifying Drive

The serpent's call Composer Stephen Lukach on creating tension and awe in Beware Boiúna

Care and community Mike Leigh and the Tender Loving Care cast on humanity and looking out for one another

The aftermath Jorge Thielen Armand on returning to Venezuela to make Death Has No Master

I Swear leads charge for Scottish BAFTAs Tourette's drama has seven nominations

More news and features

Interact

Don't forget that you can follow us on YouTube for trailers of festival films and more. You can also find us on Mastodon and Bluesky.


It's a busy time for festivals and here's the latest:


San Sebastian Golden night for Tender Loving Care


Toronto La Bola Negra wins People's Choice award


San Sebastian Naomi Watts dedicates Donostia Award to Lynch


PÖFF Sir Christopher Hampton heads jury


San Sebastian Werner Herzog honoured


Dinard Full programme announced