Births on January 11

Jerome Bixby, American author and screenwriter (d. 1998)

Drexel Jerome Lewis Bixby: A Legacy in Speculative Fiction and Beyond

Drexel Jerome Lewis Bixby (January 11, 1923 – April 28, 1998) was a prolific American writer, celebrated for his compelling short stories and impactful screenplays across science fiction, fantasy, and western genres. His unique vision and ability to craft thought-provoking narratives left an indelible mark on popular culture, influencing generations of fans and creators.

Seminal Works in Television and Film

Bixby's most iconic contributions often explored complex themes through the lens of speculative fiction, making him a revered figure in the genre.

• "It's a Good Life" (1953 Short Story): This chilling short story stands as one of Bixby's most famous works. It tells the terrifying tale of Anthony Fremont, a three-year-old child with god-like psionic powers who has isolated his small hometown of Peaksville, Ohio, from the rest of the world, creating a nightmarish existence where anyone daring to displease him can be "wished into the cornfield." The story masterfully explores themes of absolute power, fear, and psychological horror.
• The Twilight Zone Adaptation (1961 Episode & 1983 Film Segment): The profound impact of "It's a Good Life" was amplified when it was adapted into a highly acclaimed 1961 episode of Rod Serling's legendary anthology series, The Twilight Zone. Starring Billy Mumy as Anthony Fremont, this episode is widely regarded as one of the series' most iconic and chilling entries. Bixby's story was later revisited as one of the four segments in Twilight Zone: The Movie (1983), further cementing its place in horror lore.
• Star Trek: The Original Series Episodes: Bixby was a pivotal contributor to the foundational mythology of Star Trek: The Original Series, penning four of its most memorable and influential episodes, each lauded for its innovative concepts and philosophical depth:
  • "Mirror, Mirror": This episode famously introduced the "Mirror Universe," a parallel reality where the benevolent Starfleet is replaced by a tyrannical, militaristic empire. This concept, now a cornerstone of the Star Trek franchise, has been revisited in subsequent series like Deep Space Nine, Enterprise, and Discovery, showcasing Bixby's lasting impact on the franchise's lore.
  • "Day of the Dove": A powerful exploration of conflict and prejudice, this episode features an alien entity that feeds on hostility, escalating tensions between the Enterprise crew and a group of Klingons. Bixby deftly uses the scenario to critique the cyclical nature of hatred.
  • "Requiem for Methuselah": This episode delves into themes of immortality, loneliness, and the pursuit of love, featuring a being who has lived for millennia and influenced historical figures. It explores the emotional toll of an unending existence.
  • "By Any Other Name": This episode showcases humanity's ingenuity against an alien threat. Aliens from the Andromeda Galaxy, who believe themselves superior, attempt to seize the Enterprise for their journey home, only to be outsmarted by Captain Kirk and his crew.
• Fantastic Voyage (1966 Film Story): Bixby, in collaboration with Otto Klement, co-wrote the original story for the groundbreaking 1966 science fiction film Fantastic Voyage. The film captivated audiences with its innovative premise: a miniaturized submarine crew journeying inside the human body to perform life-saving surgery. While the screenplay was written by Harry Kleiner and David Duncan, and the tie-in novel by Isaac Asimov was commissioned based on the screenplay (rather than Bixby's initial story directly), Bixby and Klement's core concept ignited the imagination for what became a critically acclaimed and commercially successful movie, which also spawned a subsequent television series. The film famously won two Academy Awards for its art direction and special visual effects.
• The Man from Earth (2007 Film Screenplay): Remarkably, Bixby's final produced or published work was the screenplay for the 2007 independent science fiction film, The Man from Earth. Released posthumously, this low-budget, dialogue-driven film gained significant cult status through word-of-mouth and online distribution. It centers on a university professor who claims to be a Cro-Magnon man who has lived for 14,000 years, prompting a profound philosophical discussion among his colleagues about history, religion, and immortality. The film serves as a powerful testament to Bixby's enduring ability to provoke deep thought and capture human curiosity even years after his passing.

Versatility and Pseudonyms

Beyond his celebrated science fiction works, Bixby was an incredibly versatile writer who also penned numerous western stories. To manage his prolific output and diversify his presence across different genres, he often employed a variety of pseudonyms throughout his career. These aliases included Jay Lewis Bixby, D. B. Lewis, Harry Neal, Albert Russell, J. Russell, M. St. Vivant, and Thornecliff Herrick. He also used the pseudonym Alger Rome for a specific collaboration with fellow science fiction author Algis Budrys.

Frequently Asked Questions About Jerome Bixby

What was Jerome Bixby most famous for?

Jerome Bixby is most famous for his classic short story "It's a Good Life," which was adapted into a chilling episode of The Twilight Zone, and for writing several influential episodes of Star Trek: The Original Series, including the iconic "Mirror, Mirror."

Did Jerome Bixby write for The Twilight Zone?

Yes, Jerome Bixby's 1953 short story "It's a Good Life" was the basis for a highly acclaimed 1961 episode of The Twilight Zone and a segment in Twilight Zone: The Movie (1983).

Which Star Trek episodes did Jerome Bixby write?

Jerome Bixby wrote four episodes for Star Trek: The Original Series: "Mirror, Mirror," "Day of the Dove," "Requiem for Methuselah," and "By Any Other Name."

What is "It's a Good Life" about?

"It's a Good Life" is a psychological horror story about a three-year-old boy named Anthony Fremont who possesses god-like powers, trapping his family and an entire town in a state of perpetual terror, where happy thoughts must be maintained to avoid dire consequences.

Who wrote the story for the movie Fantastic Voyage?

Drexel Jerome Lewis Bixby co-wrote the original story for the 1966 science fiction film Fantastic Voyage with Otto Klement. The film later inspired a novel by Isaac Asimov and a television series.

What was Jerome Bixby's final film project?

Jerome Bixby's final film project was the screenplay for The Man from Earth, released posthumously in 2007. It gained significant cult popularity for its thought-provoking, dialogue-driven narrative about an immortal man.

Why did Jerome Bixby use pseudonyms?

Jerome Bixby used various pseudonyms to manage his prolific writing output across different genres, particularly for his western stories, and potentially to avoid market saturation under a single name.