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Author Richard Matheson Beth Gwinn / Tor/Forge

Science-fiction author Richard Matheson, whose stories inspired many films, died Sunday at the age of 87.

The accomplished author's death was announced through a protected Facebook posting written by his daughter Ali Marie Matheson. That message was then shared by publisher Tor/Forge, reports the Los Angeles Times.

His daughter wrote:

My beloved father passed away yesterday at home surrounded by the people and things he loved...he was funny, brilliant, loving, generous, kind, creative, and the most wonderful father ever...I miss you and love you forever Pop and I know you are now happy and healthy in a beautiful place full of love and joy you always knew was there...

Matheson was best known for his story "I Am Legend," which was the inspiration for three films, including Will Smith's 2007 adaptation. He also wrote "What Dreams May Come," "A Stir of Echoes," and "The Incredible Shrinking Man," stories that all went on to become Hollywood films.

Matheson was a screenwriter for "The Twilight Zone" and also wrote one episode of "Star Trek."

Born in New Jersey in 1926, Matheson published his first science fiction story in 1950. Science fiction giant Ray Bradbury recognized him as "one of the most important writers of the 20th century."

Among other honors, Matheson received the World Fantasy Award for Life Achievement, the Bram Stoker Award for Lifetime Achievement and was inducted into the Science Fiction Hall of Fame in 2010.