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Why was Forest J. Ackerman of Famous Monsters of Filmland so beloved by sci fi fans?

Whenever anyone reference "Forie" Ackerman, they use such reverent tones and loving tributes to the man. Why was he so beloved?

O my captain asked in Books & Writing about 1 year ago | Report

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  • N1591882060_1382_small
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    Forry is revered for many reasons, he is one of the few people who can say that they were there when science fiction fandom started. Forry was the first person ever to wear a science fiction inspired costume to a convention, and along with a few other devoted fans (including Ray Harryhausen, and Ray Bradbury)pretty much laid the groundwork for what science fiction and horror fandom are today.

    He was also (via Famous Monsters) a huge influence on many of the people working in the movie industry today.
    Famous Monsters was the first magazine to feature behind the scenes interviews with make-up artists and creature designers.

    He was also a hell of a nice guy. I met him a few years ago at one of his famous open house days. He had a terrific collection of props and costumes, and would let anybody come and look at them. He even let me try on Lugosi's original Dracula ring.

    Rhias Hall answered in Books & Writing about 1 year ago | Report
    2 comments by O my captain and Rhias Hall…
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  • Paul_c_small

    Timmytee's answer is a good one. Ackerman was also a pretty fantastic networker, and so everybody who was anybody met him in person at conventions. I think maybe it's hard for those of us who've never met him to understand how charming and enthusiastic he was in person. I bet if he was coming up today, he'd probably be some sort of a huge nerdblogger. Because he was pre-internet, he's famous for being the Most Ambitious Fan Ever.

    Good question! I've wondered about this same thing before, and this is as close to an answer as I can figure.

    Paul Constant answered in Books & Writing about 1 year ago | Report
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  • Timmie-glasses-1_small
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    Just my impression, and I could be way wrong: I think it's because Forrie successfully turned a childhood fascination with SF/horror into a lifelong career, even though he wasn't a writer or director himself. He was a professional fan--he stayed 12 forever, which a lot of people, for better or worse, wish they could do.

    Timmytee answered in Books & Writing about 1 year ago | Report
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