George Clayton Johnson, the celebrated science fiction and fantasy writer who wrote the first aired episode of Star Trek, seven episodes of The Twilight Zone and the novel on which Logan’s Run is based, has died. He was 86.
In 1967, along with William F. Nolan, he wrote Logan's Run, the famed dystopic novel that led to a film and TV series of the same name. George Clayton Johnson, the sci-fi scribe known for his fierce independence, passion, and creativity, died Christmas Day in L.A., according to his son. The 86-year-old had reportedly battled bladder and prostate cancer. "I want to be remembered as a person who early on in his life took control of his life and set goals," he said in a 2003 Archive of American Television interview.
Born in Cheyenne, WY, in 1929, Johnson dropped out of school in the ninth grade and spent his early adulthood as a draftsman following service in the U.S. Army and a brief stint in college. He broke into writing as a profession in 1959 penning the Alfred Hitchcock Presents episode “I’ll Take Care of You.” During this period, he sold a short story that later would serve as the basis for the Rat Pack film Ocean’s 11.
Over the years Johnson also had a handful of small roles in quirky films such as "The Intruder," which starred William Shatner, "The Boneyard Collection" and "Her Morbid Diaries." His last film appearance was in 2013's "Saint Bernard."
In addition to his son, Johnson is survived by a daughter, Judy Olive, and his wife, Lola Johnson.
By Ruchi Singh
reporter
Park Sae-jin
swatchsjp@ajunews.com
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