Last month, Elmore Leonard suffered a stroke. Earlier today, Elmore passed away at home from complications of the stroke at the age of 87.
Leonard began his legendary writing career during the 1950s, primarily in Westerns during the early years of his career. Two of his Western short stories, The Tall T and 3:10 to Yuma were adapted to film. 3:10 to Yuma was also adapted for a second time in 2007.
Eventually, Leonard shifted his writing to crime and mystery novels as he earned his reputation for creating unforgettable characters and sharp dialogue. Several of Leonard’s novels and short stories were adapted to film, including Ram Punch (as Jackie Brown), Get Shorty, Be Cool, 52 Pick-Up, Out of Sight, Stick, Killshot and Gold Coast.
On television, Leonard wrote and created “Maximum Bob” based upon his novel of the same name. The short-lived “Karen Sisco” TV series was also based on a character Leonard created in Out of Sight. However, Leonard’s greatest TV success has come with “Justified;” which features Timothy Olyphant as U.S. Marshal Raylan Givens, a character originated in Leonard’s novels Pronto and Riding the Rap as well as the short story “Fire in the Hole.”
At the time of his death, Elmore was said to be working on a new Raylan Givens novel in addition to consulting on a film adaptation of his novel Freaky Deaky.
CraveOnline extends its condolences and best wishes to Leonard’s family, friends and fans all over the world.
Elmore Leonard: 1925-2013
Photo Credit: Paul Warner/Getty Images
