George Clayton Johnson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
George Clayton Johnson
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![]() Johnson in 2006
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Born | Cheyenne, Wyoming, U.S. |
July 10, 1929
Died | December 25, 2015 North Hills, Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
(aged 86)
Occupation | Writer |
Genre |
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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).
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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.
Year | Award | Category | Work | Result |
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1976 | Inkpot Award | Lifetime achievement | Screenwriter, Comic book writer | Won |
1976 | Nebula Award | Nebula Award for Best Script | Logan's Run | Nominated |
1977 | Hugo Award | Hugo Award for Best Dramatic Presentation | Logan's Run | Nominated |
1982 | Balrog Award | Best works and achievements of speculative fiction | All of Us Are Dying (Twilight Zone May 1982) | Won |