Couldn't let another day go by without acknowledging the passing of Forrest J. Ackerman, the world's most influential "fan" of fantastic cinema. Forrest was well known and well liked for many decades as the "Godfather" of Sci-Fi ("Sci-Fi" being a term he himself coined after hearing of the sound system "Hi-Fi"). Forrest collected a lot of the memorabilia that WAS Sci-Fi movies, and his influence will be felt probably for as long as there are science fiction and horror films. Instead of trying to tell you his credits, here is a quick film via You Tube of just some of his credits:
I happily got to shake the hand of Forrey at a San Diego Comic Con many years ago. I saw him meandering about as any fan would do, asked if it was him, and shook his hand in delight. I was never a huge fan of Famous Monsters Of Filmland (his opus contribution of over 190 issues all dedicated to the works that he loved), but without Famous Monsters there would never had been a cash base that spawned the rest of the Warren Magazines: Eerie, Creepy, Vamirella (a creation of Ackerman's btw), 1999, and The Spirit, that were responsible of many, many hours of enjoyment to me as a little monkey.
So hats off and a big bow of respect to fandom's #1 collector and master of influence! I know of no better way to eulogize the man than by yet another clip via You Tube of him speaking about his life, and his inevitable passing. Once again Forrest J Ackerman:
R.I.P. Forrey, you finely loved fiend, and to the rest of you...
WAKE UP!
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I'll never forget back years ago when setting up the ill fated Mid Michigan MegaCon how helpful and eager Forry was about the show. I don't know if you remember, but he was going to be the Guest of Honor at the show.
At the time, it had been very long since he had last visited MI and he was looking forward to coming back for a visit. He was going to be bringing the original armature of King Kong, Bela's Dracula ring and Robbie The Robot.
Forry was the only reason I was able to get ahold of Tobe Hooper and Terri McMinn of the Texas Chainsaw Massacre cast n crew for the show. The biggest thing he did for me, was to actually give me the phone number for Vincent Price since I told Forry how much of a fan I was of Mr. Price and it would be such an honor to have him for a guest.
Forry actually called Price's home before I did to sort of set up why I would be calling the Price home. Forry called me back a few days later telling me that it was ok for me to call the Price home and discuss him being a guest (which would have been Price's very first convention from what I understand).
Unfortunately, I waited too many days and Price's wife died a few days later. I never called the Price home as I just felt it would be waaaay too inappropriate.
Anyway, sorry for rambling. Those were good times and exciting times for me and Forry had a big hand in helping put together what would have actually been a pretty damn cool convention.
I still have about 50 issues or so of Famous Monters and since Forry's passing, I've dug them out and have been rereading them with joy. Great stuff!
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