Forrest J Ackerman facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Forrest J Ackerman
Ackerman in 1965
Born	Forrest James Ackerman (1916-11-24)November 24, 1916 Los Angeles, California, US
Died	December 4, 2008(2008-12-04) (aged 92) Los Angeles, California, US
Occupation	Magazine editor science fiction writer literary agent actor

Forrest James Ackerman (born November 24, 1916 – died December 4, 2008) was an American writer, editor, and collector. He loved science fiction, horror, and fantasy stories. People often called him "Forry" or "Uncle Forry." He helped start what is now known as science fiction fandom, which is a community of fans who love these genres.

Forrest Ackerman was a literary agent, helping famous writers like Ray Bradbury and Isaac Asimov share their stories. For over 70 years, he was a big supporter of science fiction. He was also the first editor of Famous Monsters of Filmland magazine, which taught many young readers about the history of monster movies. He even named the comic book character Vampirella. Besides writing and editing, he acted in many films, especially monster movies. He also invented the popular term "sci-fi" for science fiction.

Early life and interests

Forrest James Ackerman was born in Los Angeles, California, on November 24, 1916. His parents were Carroll Cridland and William Schilling Ackerman. His father worked for an oil company.

Forry became interested in movies and science fiction at a young age. He saw his first "imagi-movie" (a movie with imagination, like sci-fi) in 1922. In 1926, he bought his first science fiction magazine, Amazing Stories. He even started a "Boys' Scientifiction Club" in 1930.

He went to the University of California at Berkeley for a year. Later, he worked as a movie projectionist and did other jobs. He also served in the U.S. Army for three years during World War II, where he was an editor for his base's newspaper.

Career and fan activities

Ackerman and Morojo at the 1st Worldcon (1939, NYC), wearing "futuristicostumes" she made

Forrest Ackerman was very important in building the science fiction fan community. He helped create some of the first science fiction fanzines (fan-made magazines). His name was even used for a character in an early Superman story. He was an early member of the Los Angeles Science Fantasy Society and stayed active with them for many years.

In 1939, he went to the very first World Science Fiction Convention (Worldcon). There, he wore the first "futuristicostume," which was designed by his girlfriend, Morojo. This idea of dressing up as characters later became known as cosplay. He went to almost every Worldcon during his life. In 1994, he was recognized as the "Father of Convention Costuming."

Ackerman encouraged many new writers. He invited Ray Bradbury to join the Los Angeles Science Fiction League. He also helped Bradbury start his own fanzine called Futuria Fantasia.

For decades, Ackerman collected a huge amount of science fiction, fantasy, and horror film items. He kept this amazing collection in his home, which he called the "Son of Ackermansion." This house in Los Angeles held about 300,000 books and many movie props and memorabilia. From 1951 to 2002, he welcomed about 50,000 fans to see his collection. Even astronaut Buzz Aldrin visited! Many items from his collection are now at the Museum of Pop Culture in Seattle.

As a literary agent, he helped about 200 writers. He was known for helping and inspiring the careers of people like Ray Bradbury and Ray Harryhausen. Even Stephen King mentioned that Ackerman once showed up to a book signing with a story King had sent him when he was only 11 years old!

Ackerman himself had 50 stories published. He also named the comic-book character Vampirella and wrote her first story.

Through his magazine, Famous Monsters of Filmland (published from 1958 to 1983), Ackerman taught a whole generation of young readers about the history of science fiction, fantasy, and horror movies. He also wrote for film magazines around the world. In the 1960s, he helped bring the German science fiction series Perry Rhodan to English readers in the U.S. His German-speaking wife, Wendayne, did most of the translation for these books.

Film and TV appearances

Ackerman loved science fiction "B-movies" (lower budget films). He appeared in more than 210 films! These included many monster movies and sci-fi films like Dracula vs. Frankenstein and The Howling. He also appeared in comedies and even a major music video, Michael Jackson's Thriller.

In 2001, Ackerman played an old caretaker in the comedy film The Double-D Avenger. He talked to wax monsters in the museum's chamber of horrors. He also appeared in documentaries about his life and the history of science fiction fans.

Personal life

Ackerman had a younger brother, Alden, who died in World War II.

He was married to Mathilda Wahrman, who he called "Wendayne" or "Wendy." She was a German-born teacher and translator. They chose not to have children of their own. Wendy passed away in 1990 after an injury.

Forrest Ackerman was fluent in Esperanto, an international language. He was known for being a big supporter of Esperanto.

Death and legacy

Forrest Ackerman's health began to decline in his later years. He had a heart attack in 1966 and wore a pacemaker. He passed away on December 4, 2008, at the age of 92. He died at his home in Hollywood, where he had welcomed and inspired fans for many years with his amazing collection and stories.

After his death, his large collection of science fiction and horror items was sold. This included famous items like Bela Lugosi's ring from Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein. His personal papers, books, and letters were given to universities.

Forrest J. Ackerman is buried with his wife. His grave marker simply says, "Sci-Fi Was My High."

In 2016, a street corner in Los Angeles, where "Uncle Forry" lived for 30 years, was named Forrest J Ackerman Square in his honor.

Awards and recognition

Forrest J. Ackerman received many awards for his contributions to science fiction and horror:

• Hugo Awards:
  • Number 1 Fan Personality, 1953
  • Retro Hugo for Best Fanzine, 1939 (awarded 2014), for Imagination!
  • Retro Hugo for Best Fanzine, 1946 (awarded 2016) for Voice of the Imagi-Nation!
• Horror Hall of Fame Induction Award, 1989
• The Saturn Award for Special Service, 1994
• The Rondo Hatton Classic Horror Awards Inducted to the Monster Kid Hall Of Fame
• Bram Stoker Award for Lifetime Achievement, 1996
• Monster Bash Achievement Award, 2007
• Mangled Skyscraper Award at G-FEST '99
• World Fantasy Award for Lifetime Achievement, 2002
• Inkpot Award, 1974

Writing

Forrest J. Ackerman wrote many books and stories.

Non-fiction books

• A Reference Guide to American Science Fiction Films
• The Frankenscience Monster, 1969
• Forrest J Ackerman's Worlds of Science Fiction, 1997
• Famous Forry Fotos: Over 70 Years of Ackermemories, 2001
• Mr. Monster's Movie Gold: A Treasure-Trove Of Imagi-Movies
• Worlds of Tomorrow: The Amazing Universe of Science Fiction Art (with Brad Linaweaver)
• Lon of 1000 Faces
• Famous Monster of Filmland #1: An encyclopedia of the first 50 issues
• Famous Monster of Filmland #2: An encyclopedia of issues 50–100
• Metropolis by Thea von Harbou – intro and "stillustration" by FJ Ackerman

Story collections (Anthologies)

• Rainbow Fantasia: 35 Spectrumatic Tales of Wonder, 2001
• Science Fiction Worlds of Forrest J Ackerman
• Best Science Fiction for 1973
• The Gernsback Awards Vol. 1, 1926
• Gosh! Wow! (Sense of Wonder) Science Fiction
• Reel Futures
• I, Vampire: Interviews with the Undead
• Ackermanthology: Millennium Edition: 65 Astonishing Rediscovered Sci-Fi Shorts
• Womanthology, (with Pam Keesey), 2003
• Martianthology (edited by Anne Hardin), 2003
• Film Futures
• Expanded Science Fiction Worlds of Forrest J Ackerman and Friends, PLUS, 2002
• Dr. Acula's Thrilling Tales of the Uncanny
• Forrest J Ackerman presents Anthology Of The Living Dead, 2009

Short stories

• "Nyusa, Nymph of Darkness"
• "The Shortest Story Ever Told"
• "A Martian Oddity"
• "Earth's Lucky Day"
• "The Record"
• "Micro Man"
• "Dhactwhu!-Remember?"
• "Kiki"
• "The Mute Question"
• "Atoms and Stars"
• "The Lady Takes a Powder"
• "Sabina of the White Cylinder"
• "What an Idea!"
• "Death Rides the Spaceways"
• "Dwellers in the Dust"
• "Burn Witch, Burn"
• "Yvala"
• "The Girl Who Wasn't There"
• "Count Down to Doom"
• "Time to Change"
• "And Then the Cover Was Bare"
• "The Atomic Monument"
• "Letter to an Angel"
• "The Man Who Was Thirsty"
• "The Radclyffe Effect"
• "Cosmic Report Card: Earth"
• "Great Gog's Grave"
• "The Naughty Venuzian"

Images for kids

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  Forrest J. Ackerman letting a fan try on the cape worn by Bela Lugosi in Plan 9 from Outer Space (1959).

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  Forrest J Ackerman at his famous "Ackermansion" filled with collectibles.

See also

In Spanish: Forrest J. Ackerman para niños