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Author Michael Crichton dies aged 66

06/11/2008

The international best-selling author Michael Crichton has unexpectedly died at the age of 66.

The ER creator wrote a number of hugely popular novels, some of which were turned into blockbuster movies such as Jurassic Park and Sphere.

Entertainment Tonight quote his family as saying: "While the world knew him as a great storyteller that challenged our preconceived notions about the world around us - and entertained us all while doing so - his wife Sherri, daughter Taylor, family and friends knew Michael Crichton as a devoted husband, loving father and generous friend who inspired each of us to strive to see the wonders of our world through new eyes.

"He did this with a wry sense of humour that those who were privileged to know him personally will never forget."

Steven Spielberg commented said Crichton's talent "out-scaled even his own dinosaurs of Jurassic Park".

"He was the greatest at blending science with big theatrical concepts, which is what gave credibility to dinosaurs again walking the Earth.

"Michael was a gentle soul who reserved his flamboyant side for his novels. There is no-one in the wings that will ever take his place," the director added.

Over 150 million copies of Crichton's books are reported to have been sold worldwide.