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Date Posted: 21:56:13 12/06/08 Sat
Author: Alan
Subject: Forry Ackerman has passed away

I've just read about the death of Forrest Ackerman, the legendary author, literary agent, actor and memorabilia collector. Ackerman had an incredible influence over my life, and the lives of countless other young people, through 'Famous Monsters of Filmland' magazine, which he edited for nearly 25 years, starting with it's first issue in 1958. As the first mainstream monthly magazine to chronicle Horror and Sci-Fi (a term he coined) films, and write about the talent behind them, 'Famous Monsters' was a groundbreaking publication, one that opened doors of literacy and imagination to me that might have otherwise remained forever closed.

Ackerman was himself more than just a dry scholar about the cinematic world of make-believe. He was forever the consummate fan, a man who started a pen-pal relationship with Universal head Carl Laemmle when he was just fifteen. Laemmle sent the young man publicity photos from "Frankenstein" and "Dracula", inspiring Ackerman to ultimately build a collection of stills more than 100,000 strong. He accrued thousands of articles of clothing, scripts and props used by Horror icons such as Lon Chaney, Bela Lugosi, Boris Karloff and others, cramming these fascinating items into his Los Angeles home, and inviting fans such as himself inside to see them...for free! As a literary agent, he represented talent such as Ray Bradbury, Isaac Asimov, Robert Bloch, and Charles Beaumont, doing much to propel their careers.

In recent years, life had been difficult for Ackerman. His wife was murdered during a hold-up, and his deteriorating health forced him to limit his activities. He was also forced to significantly downgrade his massive collection to defray high medical bills. In the late hours of December 4th, this kind, witty gentleman, who never truly grew up and always enjoyed the soul of the fifteen year old kid corresponding with the top man at Universal Studios, succumbed to heart failure, having recently turned 92. He enjoyed a long, fruitful life, and he leaves behind an enduring legacy of having provided decades of enrichment to countless fans...fans like me.

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Replies:

[> Re: Forry Ackerman has passed away -- Tim, 10:07:06 12/07/08 Sun [1]

Alan, your post was a fine tribute to the legendary Forrest J Ackerman. He was an important figure to Universal horror aficionados and fantastic film fans in general, and will not be forgotten.

Many notable writers and filmmakers grew up reading Famous Monsters of Filmland during its original 1958-1983 run. The magazine was revived in 1993 and for a short time Forry was again its editor, but conflicts soon arose and he moved on.

In 1969 Ackerman created the comic book character Vampirella, which would be published in magazine form by Warren, the same company behind Famous Monsters of Filmland.

Tim


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[> [> Re: Forry Ackerman has passed away -- Officer Torch, 16:26:27 12/07/08 Sun [1]

Forrest J. Ackerman indeed had a rather impressive background. Fans and visitors to this site may want to check IMDb for some particulars....and there is also a tribute section there, likely to expand. As Tim pointed out, he was an important figure and will not be forgotten. He is at rest now, or perhaps is creating busily on another plateau, along with the greats of his kind who have passed on earlier.


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[> [> [> Re: Forry Ackerman has passed away -- Rick, 00:43:59 12/08/08 Mon [1]


Mr. Ackerman was great at what he did and will always be remembered by all those who followed and knew him in his long career. A very fitting tribute, Alan. Thank you.





Rick


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[> [> [> [> Re: Forry Ackerman has passed away -- DAN, 09:04:30 12/10/08 Wed [1]

Nice tribute to Forry, Alan.
After 50 years of collecting horror mags. starting with FM #2 in 1958, and also talking about horror films with others, Forry's name has always came up in the topic. He won't be forgotten.


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