Forrest J Ackerman (born November 24, 1916) is an American science fiction fan and collector of science fiction books and movie memorabilia. Ackerman, known as "Forry" or "4e" or "4SJ", was influential not only in the origination, organization, and spread of science fiction fandom, but was also a key figure in the wider cultural acceptance of science fiction as a literary, art and film genre. Ackerman is also known as the editor-writer of the magazine Famous Monsters of Filmland, as well as an occasional author, actor, producer (Vampirella), and literary agent.
Long-time science-fiction fan, writer, editor, and agent.
Famous for wordplay, he is credited with being the first to abbreviate science fiction to "sci-fi";
He calls his home the "Ackermansion" and a 1997 collection of SF stories he edited was the "Ackermanthology!".
Received a special Hugo award as a Fan Personality in 1953.
Owns a large collection of SF/horror books and film memorabilia. For information about visits see his web site. (1998)
Forced by health and lack of reimbursement from a winning lawsuit, Ackerman held a huge yard sale in September, 2002, that included thousands of pieces of science fiction movie memorabilia. This was part of the process of selling his home, the Ackermansion, and liquidating the bulk of his 300,000-piece collection. Ackerman had tried to find a museum to take the collection without success. Optimistically, he settled in a nearby smaller home with plans to continue to allow tours of the remains of his treasures.
He was (and remains) a member of the Los Angeles Science Fantasy Society, Inc. It was there that he started a life long friendship with writer Ray Bradbury and special effects creator Ray Harryhausen. He attended the LASFS' 70th anniversary meeting in October 2004.
His main claim to fame was as the creator and editor of the groundbreaking magazine "Famous Monsters of Filmland" (aka "Famous Monsters" or just "FM") started in 1958. Many highly successful filmmakers who emerged in the 1970s and 80s were former readers who cite the magazine for developing their interest in film.
He was co-editor, with Jean Stine, of the 1994 book "Reel Future," an anthology of 16 stories that were turned into science fiction/horror films.
Proposed an animated film of Tolkien's Lord of the Rings, but Tolkien rejected the submitted storyline in 1958.
Cousin of actress Lonnie Blackman.
Biography/bibliography in: "Contemporary Authors". New Revision Series, Volume 155, pages 1-5. Farmington Hills, Michigan, 2007.
