Ray Bradbury dies aged 91

Goodbye to the man behind Fahrenheit 451

by Jennie Kermode

The science fiction author Ray Bradbury, whose work inspired dozens of films, died today at the age of 91. He was well known for his inspirational television series The Ray Bradbury Theatre and his most famous book, Fahrenheit 451, was made into a film with Oskar Werner and Julie Christie, directed by François Truffaut, in 1966.

The largely self-educated Bradbury, who grew up in Hollywood and once dreamed of becoming an actor, got his start in film with the sensational 1953 hit It Came From Outer Space. Other adaptations of his work include The Illustrated Man, A Sound Of Thunder and Something Wicked This Way Comes. He also wrote several screenplays including that for John Huston's acclaimed version of Moby Dick. Enormously admired within the industry, he had close friends including Ray Harryhausen and Federico Fellini.

Bradbury is survived by four daughters and several grandchildren. He was the proud holder of a National Medal of the Arts and had his own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Share this with others on...
News

The serpent's call Composer Stephen Lukach on creating tension and awe in Beware Boiúna

Care and community Mike Leigh and the Tender Loving Care cast on humanity and looking out for one another

The aftermath Jorge Thielen Armand on returning to Venezuela to make Death Has No Master

Making magic Gregg Bishop on witches, inspiring actors, instinctive filmmaking and The Heretiks

The road to The Guests Cristina Diz and Stefan Butzmühlen on working together on their latest film

Beyond Saturn Tina Gharavi, Tala Calil and Assaad Bouab on Shadows Of Beirut

Puppy love Brad Pitt on the 'moving' Heart Of The Beast shoot thanks to furry co-star Odin

More news and features

Interact

Don't forget that you can follow us on YouTube for trailers of festival films and more. You can also find us on Mastodon and Bluesky.


It's a busy time for festivals and here's the latest:


San Sebastian Golden night for Tender Loving Care


Toronto La Bola Negra wins People's Choice award


San Sebastian Naomi Watts dedicates Donostia Award to Lynch


San Sebastian Werner Herzog honoured


Dinard Full programme announced


LFF Full programme announced