Harlan Ellison
Biography
Harlan Ellison was an American writer known for his work in New Wave speculative fiction. He was born on May 27, 1934, in Cleveland, Ohio, USA. Ellison wrote over 1,700 published works, including short stories, novellas, screenplays, comic book scripts, teleplays, essays, and criticism. He is recognized for his contributions to the Star Trek series, specifically the 1967 episode "The City on the Edge of Forever". Ellison also wrote a book about the experience, which includes his original screenplay. He was a prolific writer with a wide range of credits, totaling 44. Ellison passed away on June 28, 2018, at the age of 84.
Career overview
Harlan Ellison was a prolific American writer known for his influential work in New Wave speculative fiction. His published works include over 1,700 short stories, novellas, screenplays, comic book scripts, teleplays, essays, and criticism covering literature, film, television, and print media. Ellison's writing career spanned multiple genres and formats, showcasing his versatility as a writer.
One of Ellison's most notable works is the 1967 Star Trek episode "The City on the Edge of Forever". This episode is considered by some to be one of the greatest episodes of Star Trek ever. Ellison also wrote a book about the experience, which includes his original screenplay. Additionally, Ellison's work includes the A Boy and His Dog cycle, which was adapted into a film.
Ellison's writing credits number 44, although the specific titles and details of these works are not provided. His writing career was marked by a high level of productivity and a willingness to experiment with different genres and formats. Ellison's influence on the speculative fiction genre is still felt today, and his body of work continues to be studied and admired by writers and fans alike.
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Frequent co-stars
Career timeline
Full Filmography
52 titles- Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania (2023) Thanks
- The Center Seat: 55 Years of Star Trek (2021) as Self (archive footage)
- Love, Death & Robots (2019) Short Story
- Clark Ashton Smith: The Emperor of Dreams (2018) as Self
- Pencils Down! The 100 Days of the Writers Guild Strike (2014) as Self
- Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated (2010) as Self (voice)
- Charles Beaumont: The Short Life of Twilight Zone's Magic Man (2010) as Self
- Dreams with Sharp Teeth (2008) as Self
- Masters of Science Fiction (2007) Writer
- To My Great Chagrin: The Unbelievable Story of Brother Theodore (2007) as Self
- 40 Years of Star Trek (2006) as Self
- Shadows in the Dark: The Val Lewton Legacy (2005) as Self
- Legends of the Dark Knight: The History of Batman (2005) as Self
- Impressions of Dune (2003) as Self
- The Hunger (1997) Writer
- The Hunger (1997) Story
- Psi Factor: Chronicles of the Paranormal (1996)
- The Outer Limits (1995) Short Story
- Babylon 5 (1994) as Sparky the Computer (voice)
- Babylon 5 (1994) as Psi Cop
- Babylon 5 (1994) as Zooty (voice)
- Babylon 5 (1994) Writer
- Phantom 2040 (1994)
- Cadillacs and Dinosaurs (1993) Story
- The Overstreet World of Comic Books (1993) as Self
- The Simpsons (1989) as Harlan Ellison (voice)
- Prisoners of Gravity (1989) as Self
- The Masters of Comic Book Art (1987) as Self - Host
- The Twilight Zone (1985) Writer
- The Twilight Zone (1985) Creative Consultant
- The Twilight Zone (1985) Story
- Tales from the Darkside (1984) Writer
- The Terminator (1984) Thanks
- De droomproducenten (1984) as Self
- Television: The Enchanted Mirror (1981) as Self
- The Starlost: The Beginning (1980) Writer
- Since '45 (1979) as Self - In new expanded version
- A Boy and His Dog (1975) Novel
- The Starlost (1973) Writer
- The Starlost (1973) Creator
- Ghost Story (1972) Story
- The Godson (1971) as Guy with Barbara and Brunette (uncredited)
- Star Trek (1966) Writer
- Tales to Keep You Awake (1966) Writer
- The Oscar (1966) Screenplay
- The Man from U.N.C.L.E. (1964) Writer
- The Man from U.N.C.L.E. (1964) Story
- Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea (1964) Writer
- Burke's Law (1963) Writer
- The Outer Limits (1963) Writer
- The Alfred Hitchcock Hour (1962) Writer
- Television: The Ultimate Drug as Self / Author
Frequently Asked Questions
What movies or TV shows is Harlan Ellison best known for?
Harlan Ellison is widely recognized for notable roles and projects including Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania (2023), The Center Seat: 55 Years of Star Trek (2021), Love, Death & Robots (2019), Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated (2010).
When and where was Harlan Ellison born?
Harlan Ellison was born on May 27, 1934 in Cleveland, Ohio, USA. They passed away on June 28, 2018.
How many credits does Harlan Ellison have?
Harlan Ellison has accumulated over 52 film and television credits across a career spanning from 1962 to 2023.
What is Harlan Ellison's background in cinema and television?
Harlan Ellison was an American writer known for his work in New Wave speculative fiction. He was born on May 27, 1934, in Cleveland, Ohio, USA. Ellison wrote over 1,700 published works, including short stories, novellas, screenplays, comic book scripts, teleplays, essays, and criticism. He is recognized for his contrib...
Harlan Ellison by the numbers
Age in their best-rated roles
- Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated (2010) as Self (voice) — aged about 76
- Babylon 5 (1994) as Sparky the Computer (voice) — aged about 60
- Babylon 5 (1994) as Psi Cop — aged about 60
- Babylon 5 (1994) as Zooty (voice) — aged about 60
- The Simpsons (1989) as Harlan Ellison (voice) — aged about 55
- The Center Seat: 55 Years of Star Trek (2021) as Self (archive footage) — aged about 87
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