A Giant Amongst Monsters

Written by Ian Cullen on December 18, 2003 – 10:33 am -

By Dr. Joe Di Lella

Have you ever picked-up a Sci Fi magazine? Perhaps, a ‘Star Trek: Communicator’ at the local bookstore? You may thank one man for the print legacy. In fact, this mystery person started the fandom frenzy several decades ago.

Forrest J. Ackerman celebrated his 87th birthday with 100 of his closest friends and fans on November 22nd, 2003, in Glendale California. Brad Linaweaver, popular science fiction writer, moderated the roast. Forry gave Brad his big break in Famous Monsters Magazine. Other famous writers and filmmakers, the likes of Ray Bradbury, Steven Spielberg and Harlan Ellison, owe their careers to the former literary agent, mentor and friend.

Though these three did not make this year’s party, other important luminaries did show up for the festivities. John Landis (Animal House director), Anne Robinson (lead actress of the classic, War of the Worlds film), and George Clayton Johnson (story writer for Star Trek, the original and updated, Twilight Zone, and other TV shows, plus screenwriter of Logan’s Run and Ocean’s 11) spoke kind words about the legend who is Forry. In particular, George reminisced with the crowd on how he used Forry’s celebrity to network with the big shots of the industry, and how his friendship with the man landed him his first, professional science fiction convention speaking engagement — inside a smelly old high school gym in greater Los Angeles.

A recent stroke has silenced the booming voice and storyteller, but his spirit and love of monsters, ghouls and everything else science fiction has not diminished — ask anyone. Though Forry had to sell much of three million item memorabilia collection of scary things and literary works, he still shows what left of his estate in his modest home in Los Feliz on Saturday afternoons. If you meet the man today, you’ll understand the gentle man behind the frightening myth. And what’s stopping you? His crypt, I mean, his home is always open to strangers.

Forest ‘Dr. Ackula’ Ackerman should always be remembered for his unselfish contributions to professionals and fans of the horror and Sci Fi worlds. And according to Forry, if he makes it to his 88th birthday — he’s promised that lunch is, “on him,” next year. Considering the kind-hearted soul threw enormous bashes for over a 1,000 friends when he was BIG in the magazine business, his words are not to be taken lightly.

If you’d like to read about the Mr. Ackerman and view photos of Forry’s former Ackermansion, please go to www.whataslacker.com/scifi/forrest_ackerman. You may also go to: www.armchair.com/warp/ackerman for an in-depth interview with Mr. Sci Fi. Good reading.


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