My first diary here, so please forgive if I screw up the format --
I know there's a bunch of movie fans here, particularly horror movies, so I thought I'd post here:
Sad news tonight -- the word is that Forry Ackerman, Uncle Forry to his many fans, is close to the end. I and many others have been dreading this for a long time, of course. He was the editor of Famous Monsters of Filmland magazine and inspiration to countless horror and sci-fi fans across many generations.
More below the jump...
Those of you who know Uncle Forry know what an important a figure he is in the last century of film and publishing.
He's now 92, and has pneumonia and congestive heart failure. He's home from the hospital, has been fairly lucid, cracking puns as always but frail and fading, surrounded by friends, including John Landis and Ray Bradbury. The web is buzzing and the phone has been ringing off the hook. Jim Warren, his partner from Famous Monsters, is at his bedside.
He's got a Facebook page and a MySpace page if you're a member and want to leave a message there.
If anyone wants to send cards, now is the time. Send to:
FORREST J ACKERMAN
4511 Russell Ave
Los Angeles CA 90027
Please keep him in your prayers -- even if your prayers are directed to Fritz Lang or Lon Chaney, Jr.
More details here.
In closing, I will share with you what I wrote on his Facebook page (he was online earlier today and added 5 new friends!):
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Uncle Forry - your enchanting vision, embodied in all your words and deeds, is a shining light of inspiration to generations of horror and sci-fi kids around the world. You have shown us, through your example, the way to keep our optimistic, childlike sense of wonder alive, no matter what it says on the calendar, or on the television. That is a rare and precious gift. Thank you. We love you. Get well soon.
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Thanks.
And Go OBAMA!