George Clayton Johnson facts for kids

Quick facts for kids George Clayton Johnson
Johnson in 2006
Born	(1929-07-10)July 10, 1929 Cheyenne, Wyoming, U.S.
Died	December 25, 2015(2015-12-25) (aged 86) North Hills, Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Occupation	Writer
Genre	Science fiction magical realism fantasy literary Western horror
Years active	1959–2015
Notable works	Logan's Run, Ocean's 11, The Twilight Zone, Star Trek
Notable awards	Inkpot Award Winner, 1976; Balrog Award Winner, 1983
Spouse	Lola Johnson (m. 1952–2015; his death)
Children	Paul Johnson and Judy Olive

George Clayton Johnson (born July 10, 1929 – died December 25, 2015) was an American writer. He was famous for his science fiction stories. He helped write the novel Logan's Run with William F. Nolan. This book later became a movie in 1976.

Johnson also wrote many TV show episodes. These included "Nothing in the Dark" and "Kick the Can" for The Twilight Zone. He also wrote "The Man Trap", which was the first episode of Star Trek to be shown. He also created the story for the movies Ocean's Eleven (from 1960 and 2001).

Early Life and Education

George Clayton Johnson was born in a barn in Cheyenne, Wyoming. He had a tough start and left school in the eighth grade. He worked briefly in the United States Army as a telegraph operator. He also worked as a draftsman, which is someone who draws plans.

He tried going to college using the G.I. Bill. But he soon left to travel across the U.S. He kept working as a draftsman before becoming a writer.

Writing Career Highlights

Johnson started his writing career in 1959. He wrote a story called "I'll Take Care of You" for the show Alfred Hitchcock Presents. In 1960, he helped create the story for the movie Ocean's 11.

He joined a group of writers in Southern California. This group included famous authors like William F. Nolan and Ray Bradbury. Through them, he met Rod Serling, who created The Twilight Zone.

Johnson sold his story "All of Us Are Dying" to Serling. It became an episode called "The Four of Us Are Dying". Later, Johnson wrote many episodes for The Twilight Zone himself. These included "A Penny for Your Thoughts".

He also wrote for other TV shows like Honey West and Route 66. His work on Star Trek was very important. He wrote "The Man Trap", which was the very first episode shown on TV.

In his later years, Johnson wrote comic books. He was a popular guest at science fiction and comics events. He helped create a comic book series called Deepest Dimension Terror Anthology.

Personal Life and Legacy

George Clayton Johnson married Lola Brownstein in 1952. They had two children, Paul and Judy.

Besides his writing, Johnson played a big part in starting the San Diego Comic-Con. This is a huge event for fans of comics and pop culture. He was also a vegetarian for many years.

His Passing

Johnson passed away on Christmas Day in 2015. He died from bladder cancer and prostate cancer in North Hills, California. He is buried at Riverside National Cemetery.

Awards and Recognition

George Clayton Johnson received several awards for his writing.