Ray Bradbury, one of the world’s greatest science-fiction writers, has died at the age of 91.
Famed for penning titles such as ‘Fahrenheit 451’, ‘The Martian Chronicles’ and ‘Something Wicked This Way Comes’, Bradbury passed away on Tuesday night in Southern California.
Born Ray Douglas Bradbury in Waukegan, Illinois, the acclaimed author wrote nearly 600 short stories and the 1956 film version of ‘Moby Dick’ and TV series ‘The Twilight Zone.’
In 2007, Bradbury received a special Pulitzer Prize citation “for his distinguished, prolific and deeply influential career as an unmatched author of science fiction and fantasy.”
Bradbury’s grandson, Danny Karapetian, shared his thoughts on his grandfather’s death with the Website io9.com.
“If I had to make any statement, it would be how much I love and miss him, and I look forward to hearing everyone’s memories about him,” he said.
“He influenced so many artists, writers, teachers, scientists, and it’s always really touching and comforting to hear their stories.
“Your stories. His legacy lives on in his monumental body of books, film, television and theater, but more importantly, in the minds and hearts of anyone who read him, because to read him was to know him. He was the biggest kid I know.”
Many have taken to the Twittersphere to remember his work.
English screenwriter and novelist Mark Gatiss tweeted: “RIP Ray Bradbury. A dazzling, incredibly humane imagination like no other.”
TV personality Jonathan Ross posted: “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.”
American film critic Roger Ebert tweeted: “Ray Bradbury has died. “The Pedestrian” is one of the most famous of all short stories. Read it here. Uncanny prophecy.”
Hollywood actress Mia Farrow also paid tribute – tweeting: “You’ve got to jump off cliffs all the time and build your wings on the way down. Ray Bradbury”
Twitter feeds have also been filling up with memorable Bradbury quotes, including: “You don’t have to burn books to destroy a culture. Just get people to stop reading them,” and: “We are cups, constantly and quietly being filled. The trick is knowing how to tip ourselves over & let the beautiful stuff out.”
Bradbury’s death was announced by his daughter Alexandra Bradbury, who gave no further details.