Michael Crichton Wife: Explore All About Sherri & Children

When renowned author and director Michael Crichton died of cancer in 2008, his wife Sherry was pregnant with their son, John Michael Todd Crichton. Since then, Sherry has devoted herself to preserving Crichton’s legacy for her son. Her efforts also include the release of a new book, “Eruption,” co-written by James Patterson. The book, to be published June 3, is the final novel by the man behind such classics as “Jurassic Park,” “The Andromeda Strain” and “Congo,” as well as films such as “Westworld” and “Coma” and the TV medical drama “ER.”

Finding the Right Co-Author

Sherry Crichton spent 15 years looking for the right person to complete “Eruption,” which was left unfinished after Michael Crichton’s death. She chose James Patterson, a renowned thriller writer known for books like “Along Came a Spider” and “Kiss the Girls.” Sherry believed Patterson had the ability and skill to do justice to her late husband’s final masterpiece.

The Story of the “Explosion”

“Eruption” is set on the Big Island of Hawaii, where a historic volcanic event is about to unfold. However, another man-made force may cause even more destruction. Michael Crichton began writing the manuscript in 1994 and worked on it sporadically over the next 14 years. Sherry believes he would be proud to see it come to life.

“Jim has done a phenomenal job,” Sherry told People magazine. “I think this is a story that was clearly important to Michael, and it doesn’t deserve to sit in a file. He would be so excited that it’s come out and is being told with such an incredible partner like Jim.”

A family’s dedication

John Michael Jr., now 16, is as excited about the book as his mother. Sherry has always encouraged her son’s interest in his father’s work. She recalls a moment when John Michael was about 8 years old. They were driving down Santa Monica Boulevard and saw two buses loaded with ads for “Westworld” and “Jurassic Park.”

“I looked up and said, ‘John Michael, are you looking at this? That’s your dad!'” Sherry said. “Twenty, 30, 40 years after he made it, his cultural imprint still lives on.”

Official Crichton Archives

Sherry has established the official Crichton Archives to preserve and honor Michael’s legacy. “When we took our vows in Hawaii, it was as partners for life,” she explains. “I feel like I continue to be his partner now, even though he’s not physically here. We can be partners in raising our son because Michael is a treasure trove of information and wisdom.”

John Michael, like any typical teenager, is currently more focused on his finals and summer vacations. However, Sherry makes sure that Michael’s legacy is ready for him whenever he is ready to embrace it. Michael Crichton also has a daughter, Taylor Anne, born in 1989 from a previous marriage.

Understanding Michael Crichton

Sherry emphasizes that it is important for Michael’s children to understand how he worked and what motivated him. “It’s very important that his children understand how he worked and what motivated him,” she says.

Influence of Michael Crichton’s work

Michael Crichton’s work continues to have significant influence. His books and films are still popular, and his influence is seen in many aspects of modern storytelling. “Jurassic Park” remains a beloved classic, and “Westworld” has been reworked into a successful television series.

Collaboration with James Patterson

James Patterson, known for his ability to craft thrilling narratives, was the perfect choice to complete “Eruption.” Patterson’s respect for Crichton’s work and his own prolific career made him a perfect partner to bring the unfinished manuscript to life.

Bringing “Explosions” to Life

Sherry’s collaboration with Patterson was a labor of love. She wanted to make sure that Michael’s vision was honored and that the story was told with the same enthusiasm and detail that he would have given it. “Jim did a pretty extraordinary job,” she said. “I think this is a story that was clearly important to Michael.”

A legacy for the next generation

John Michael Jr. is inspired by his father’s work and legacy. Sherry’s dedication to preserving Michael’s legacy has given him a strong understanding of his father’s accomplishments and contributions. “I’ve always worked very hard on Michael’s legacy and collection, to bring all these pieces together,” Sherry explains. “John Michael knows the meaning behind this book.”

Looking Ahead

John Michael Jr. has expressed interest in following in his father’s footsteps. “It’s very exciting for him,” says Sherry. “He says, ‘One day I’m going to do that, too.’ And I say, ‘You can learn from Jim himself.'”

Release of “Explosion”

“Eruption” is scheduled to be released on June 3 by Little, Brown and Company. It is available for preorder now, wherever books are sold. This final novel from Michael Crichton promises to be an exciting addition to his remarkable body of work, ensuring that his legacy will live on.

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