Horror fans. This is your chance. Say goodbye to Uncle Forry.
Nov 3rd, 2008 by Bryan White
This is some sad news to report but a unique opportunity to send a heartfelt goodbye to a legend of the genre. If you’re someone like me, you run a website, you have a collection, you obsessively catalog data about horror, fantasy and science fiction, then you owe something to Forrest J. Ackerman. For generations, Ackerman has been writing and archiving the details of our genre’s achievements. From 1958 into the 80’s he published the template for the horror fan magazine, Famous Monsters of Filmland. He maintains his now scaled-down Ackermansion, filled with his amazing collection of science fiction memorabilia. The man is a walking encyclopedia of all things sci-fi, horror and fantasy, the original insider… and he’s about to pass on.
Uncle Forry has been dealing with health issues for many years and now, and at the age of 91, time is running out. But you have a chance to express your appreciation. I snatched this off of Ain’t It Cool News this morning, so spread the word and drop Uncle Forry a line. Give him a proper send-off.
I talked to Joe Moe, Forry’s caregiver and best friend. He told me to spread the word about Forry. Forry is leaving us quickly. If youre going to write or call, do it now before it’s too late. He’s in good spirits and not in any pain or taking any meds. He did not have any heart attack or stroke. He is home resting comfortably, but his body is starting to shut down and he’s sleeping alot now, hes very weak.
Even if you do what I did, just write “I love you” on a piece of paper and mail it, please do something if he touched your life in some way…………….joey OBrienFORREST J ACKERMAN
4511 Russell Avenue
Los Angeles, CA
90027
I never really read FAMOUS MONSTERS but for those who did, Forry is nothing short of a legend. His influence on horror/sci fi fandom, the genres and the people who made and make the films cannot be debated. The news, while not unexpected, is still sad. I hope he’s surrounded by friends and family, and can take some solace in the fact that he played such an important part in the cinema world he so obviously loved.
My only personal contact with Forry came, somewhat embarassingly, as friends and I returned to our hotel after a night of drinking and getting drunk at a horror con in Baltimore many, many years ago. We waited in the lobby with Forry who politely overlooked our sodden countenance, chatted with us about the con, and laughed when we offered to give him the sign we had removed from a nearby newspaper receptacle.