George Clayton Johnson, best known for writing the script for the first "Star Trek" episode, died Friday, Christmas Day, at the age of 86 in Los Angeles after a cancer battle. His son Paul confirmed the news, according to Variety.
"Please emphasize how much he loved his fans, and judging by the overwhelming response I've received, from hundreds of people, known and unknown, he made quite an impact on them," Paul said, according to The Mirror.
Johnson wrote several episodes of "The Twilight Zone" throughout his career. His other TV writing credits include "Honey West," "Kung Fu" and "Route 66."
He also co-wrote the 1967 dystopian novel "Logan's Run" with good friend William F. Nolan, which was then adapted into a film starring Michael York, Jenny Agutter and Farrah Fawcett 10 years later.
A native of Cheyenne, Wyo., Johnson served in the Army in the late 40's and studied at Auburn University (then called Alabama Polytechnic Institute). However, he dropped out so he could travel around the U.S.
It wasn't until the 60's that Johnson settled into his profession as a writer, a profession that he maintained until his death. Besides Paul, he is also survived by his wife Lola and daughter Judy Olive, The Los Angeles Times reported.
