<span class="SFPTagline"> From SCIFIPEDIA </span>

Richard Burton Matheson (b. February 20, 1926) is a New York Times bestselling author and screenwriter whose work has had an enormous influence on the fields of science fiction, horror, and suspense. His classic novels include I Am Legend (1954), The Incredible Shrinking Man (originally published as The Shrinking Man, 1956), A Stir of Echoes (1958), Hell House (1971), Somewhere in Time (originally published as Bid Time Return, 1975), What Dreams May Come (1978), Earthbound (1982, restored 1989), Seven Steps to Midnight (1993), Now You See It (1995), and Hunted Past Reason (2002). He has also written numerous classic short stories, including "Born of Man and Woman," "Duel," and "Nightmare at 20,000 Feet."

Matheson’s work has often been adapted to film and television, both by himself and others. Films based on Matheson’s books and stories include The Incredible Shrinking Man (1957), The Legend of Hell House (1973), What Dreams May Come (1998), and Stir of Echoes (1999). I Am Legend has been filmed twice, as The Last Man on Earth (1964) and The Omega Man (1971); a third film version is currently in development. George Romero’s original Night of the Living Dead (1968) can also be considered an “unofficial” adaptation; Romero has frequently cited I Am Legend as one of the primary inspirations for his film. Matheson also scripted Steven Spielberg’s first film, the TV movie Duel (1971), based on his short story of the same name.

As a screenwriter, Matheson has also adapted the work of other authors. In the 1960s, he scripted a series of Vincent Price movies, loosely based on the work of Edgar Allan Poe: House of Usher (1960), Pit and the Pendulum (1961), Tales of Terror (1961), and The Raven (1963). Master of the World (1961), also starring Price, was based on two novels by Jules Verne. The Martian Chronicles (1980) was a TV miniseries based on the book by Ray Bradbury. The Night Stalker (1972), based on a novel by Jeff Rice, introduced the character of Carl Kolchak. Matheson also scripted the sequel, The Night Strangler (1973), but had no involvement with either of the subsequent Night Stalker television series. Dracula (1973), starring Jack Palance, was a TV movie adaptation of Bram Stoker’s novel. Burn, Witch, Burn (released in the UK as Night of the Eagle, 1962) was based on the novel Conjure Wife by Fritz Leiber.

Matheson was one of the primary writers for the original Twilight Zone TV series, ultimately scripting more episodes than anyone other than Rod Serling or Charles Beaumont. Among his most famous episodes were "Nightmare at 20,000 Feet," "Nick of Time," Steel," and "Little Girl Lost." He also wrote "The Enemy Within" for the original Star Trek TV series.

Besides Dracula and the Kolchak films, Matheson’s other TV movies include Scream of the Wolf (1974), The Stranger Within (1974), and Trilogy of Terror (1975). The latter, co-written by William F. Nolan, is best remembered for its final segment, based on Matheson’s short story "Prey," in which actress Karen Black is menaced by a homicidal Zuni fetish doll.

Matheson was the first writer to be named a Grand Master by the World Horror Convention. He has also won the Bram Stoker Award, the Edgar, the Golden Spur (for his westerns), and the Writers Guild Award. The film version of The Incredible Shrinking Man won the Hugo Award for Best Dramatic Presentation.

Matheson has also written outside the genre, including several westerns, a World War II novel, and various nonfiction books on metaphysical issues. He has occasionally employed the pseudonym “Logan Swanson.”

Matheson was born in Allendale, New Jersey. He currently lives in Calabasas, California. His son, Richard Christian Matheson, is also an acclaimed horror writer. Another son, Christian Matheson (not to be confused with Richard Christian Matheson), co-wrote 'Bill & Ted's Excellent Journey.