Who Is Richard Matheson? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Richard Matheson was born on February 20, 1926, in Allendale, New Jersey, USA. He was a prolific author and screenwriter, best known for his influential works in the horror and science fiction genres. Matheson's most notable contributions include his novels "I Am Legend," "The Shrinking Man," and many episodes of "The Twilight Zone." He left a lasting impact on literature and film until his passing on June 23, 2013. In 2025, his work continues to inspire creators in various media.
| Occupation | Screenwriter |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | February 20, 1926 |
| Age | 87 Years |
| Birth Place | Allendale, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Pisces |
| Country | Jersey |
| Date of death | 23 June, 2013 |
| Died Place | Calabasas, California, U.S. |
Popularity
Richard Matheson's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While specific details about Matheson's height and weight are not widely documented, it is known that he had a distinguished presence at public events throughout his career. His commitment to storytelling was often illustrated through his interactions with fans and collaborators in the creative community, transcending typical metrics of physical appearance.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Richard Matheson married his beloved wife, Ruth, in 1952. Together, they raised four children: three daughters and one son. Their supportive family environment fostered Matheson's creativity and passion for writing. Although Richard Matheson passed away in 2013, his family continues to preserve his legacy, often sharing stories and memories that highlight the profound influence he had as a father and husband.
They divorced when he was eight, and he was raised in Brooklyn, New York, by his mother. His early writing influences were the film Dracula (1931), novels by Kenneth Roberts, and a poem which he read in the newspaper Brooklyn Eagle, where he published his first short story at age eight.
He entered Brooklyn Technical High School in 1939, graduated in 1943, and served with the Army in Europe during World War II; this formed the basis for his 1960 novel The Beardless Warriors. He attended the Missouri School of Journalism at the University of Missouri, earning his BA in 1949, then moved to California.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his passing, Richard Matheson's net worth was estimated to be around $10 million. His earnings came from his extensive body of work, including successful novels, screenplays, and adaptations. Matheson’s unique storytelling ability has allowed his creations to be adapted into films and television shows, continuing to generate revenue posthumously.
Career, Business, and Investments
Richard Matheson's writing career spanned over six decades, where he not only published novels but also wrote hundreds of short stories and screenplays. His career highlights include the screenplay for the classic film "Duel" and various adaptations of his own work, which solidified his place in Hollywood. Matheson was a master of blending horror and science fiction with profound philosophical themes, making him a unique figure in both literature and film. In addition to writing, Matheson’s investments included various writing-related projects that focused on genre storytelling.
Matheson wrote teleplays for several television programs, including the Westerns Cheyenne, Have Gun – Will Travel, and Lawman. He also wrote the Star Trek episode "The Enemy Within" (1966).
However, he is most closely associated with the American TV series The Twilight Zone, for which he wrote more than a dozen episodes, including "Steel" (1963), "Nightmare at 20,000 Feet" (1963), "Little Girl Lost" (1962), and "Death Ship" (1963).
For all of his Twilight Zone scripts, Matheson wrote the introductory and closing statements spoken by creator Rod Serling. He adapted five works of Edgar Allan Poe for Roger Corman's Poe series, including House of Usher (1960), The Pit and the Pendulum (1961), and The Raven (1963). He was one of the key screenwriters in Corman's career.
Social Network
Although Richard Matheson is no longer alive, his legacy continues on social media through fan pages and tribute accounts. His works are frequently discussed in online communities dedicated to horror and science fiction literature. Upcoming literary discussions and celebrations of his work also keep his influence prominent in modern pop culture.
He is best known as the author of I Am Legend, a 1954 science fiction horror novel that has been adapted for the screen three times. Matheson himself was co-writer of the first film version, The Last Man on Earth, starring Vincent Price, which was released in 1964.
The other two adaptations were The Omega Man, starring Charlton Heston, and I Am Legend, with Will Smith.
Matheson also wrote 16 television episodes of The Twilight Zone, including "Nightmare at 20,000 Feet", "Little Girl Lost" and "Steel", as well as several adaptations of Edgar Allan Poe stories for Roger Corman and American International Pictures – House of Usher, The Pit and the Pendulum, Tales of Terror and The Raven.
He adapted his 1971 short story "Duel" as a screenplay, directed by Steven Spielberg as the television film of the same name that year.
Education
Richard Matheson attended the University of Missouri, where he studied journalism. This background provided him with a robust foundation in storytelling, which he later expanded through his extensive writing career. His education and early experiences informed his work, allowing him to create complex characters and gripping narratives that captivated readers and viewers alike.
Matheson received the World Fantasy Award for Life Achievement in 1984 and the Bram Stoker Award for Lifetime Achievement from the Horror Writers Association in 1991. In 1993, he won the World Horror Convention Grand Master Award. The Science Fiction Hall of Fame inducted him in 2010.
