Science Fiction, 'Star Trek' Writer Harlan Ellison Dies at 84

LOS ANGELES, CA – Writer Harlan Ellison, who penned science fiction scripts for landmark television shows including "Star Trek" and "The Outer Limits," died early Thursday at his home in Los Angeles at the age of 84.

Ellison's management company, Paradigm Talent Agency, releasing the following statement:
"It was our immense privilege to know and work with Harlan over the past few years. His work speaks volumes, but we will always remember and appreciate his candor and caustic sense of humor, along with his unwavering commitment to his artistic vision. He was truly one of a kind and we already miss him."

No cause of death was given.

Earlier Thursday, family friend Christine Valada tweeted that Ellison's wife asked her to announce his death: "Susan Ellison has asked me to announce the passing of writer Harlan Ellison, in his sleep, earlier today. 'For a brief time I was here, and for a brief time, I mattered.' --HE, 1934- 2018. Arrangements for a celebration of his life are pending."

Ellison wrote more than 1,700 short stories, novellas, screenplays, comic book scripts, teleplays, essays, a wide range of criticism covering literature, film, television, and print media. He contributed scripts to the 1980s' television revival of "The Twilight Zone," and the 1990s sci-fi show, "Babylon 5."

He was also famously combative, with a long history of litigation that included copyright and/or royalty lawsuits against CBS Paramount Television, ABC, Paramount Pictures, Orion Pictures and comic book and magazine publisher Fantagraphics.

"Harlan Ellison: There was no one quite like him in American letters, and never will be. Angry, funny, eloquent, hugely talented. If there's an afterlife, Harlan is already kicking ass and taking down names," writer Stephen King tweeted.

Actor and comedian Patton Oswalt tweeted: "My heart is broken. Off to gather what few thoughts I can for awhile. What an awful day. Harlan Ellison is dead."

• ALSO SEE: Obama To Headline DNC Fundraiser In LA Area

--City News Service/Shutterstock image