This is the 50th anniversary of the founding of "Famous Monsters of Filmland" by Forrest J. Ackerman, a man who almost single-handedly shaped the very essence of horror and science-fiction fandom. Uncle Forry, as he was affectionately known, was not only a fan, he has been an inspiring figure and friend to several generations of creators (he was Ed Wood's literary agent, which is just wonderful to consider). Ackerman is now 91 and a beloved figure, and hailed by far-reaching and disparate creators that include Steven Spielberg, George Lucas, Peter Jackson, Stephen King, Tim Burton and Gene Simmons. Right now, according to Harry Knowles, a lot of those people are reaching out to the Los Angeles native because he is ailing. Knowles writes: "I spoke briefly with Forrest J. Ackerman earlier today, he wasn't sounding very strong, it hurt to hear his voice knowing that it wouldn't be here with us much longer. But at the same time, it was nice to say goodbye to one another. Ackerman is one of the founders of my love of cinema. My father is the geek he is, because of his magazine -- and I'm the geek I am because of his magazine as well as the influence it had on my father. That magazine was, of course, 'Famous Monsters of Filmland'. In speaking with Uncle Forry's caretaker, an amazing gentleman named Joe Moe, I was told that Forry was lucid, peaceful and not even on pain medication, but that he was progressively getting worse -- and was ready to move on ... Many friends of Forry have visited his bedside, hearing one last story, one last pun and to say one last goodbye. Ray Bradbury even flew to his bedside. We here at AICN are preparing a fitting memorial -- and something, most likely, permanent to AICN."
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