Jerome Bixby, American author and screenwriter (b. 1923)

Drexel Jerome Lewis Bixby, often known simply as Jerome Bixby, was a remarkably versatile and influential American short story writer and scriptwriter whose imaginative contributions left an indelible mark on science fiction and popular culture. Born on January 11, 1923, and passing away on April 28, 1998, Bixby's prolific career spanned several decades, showcasing his talent across a diverse range of genres and media.

His enduring legacy is particularly woven into the fabric of speculative fiction, with several iconic works that continue to resonate with audiences across generations.

A Master of Speculative Fiction

Among his most chilling and enduring creations is the 1953 short story "It's a Good Life," a masterful piece of psychological horror that profoundly explores themes of unchecked power and terror through the eyes of a malevolent child. This classic, unsettling tale served as the compelling basis for a highly acclaimed 1961 episode of the legendary television series The Twilight Zone, which remains one of its most memorable and often-recalled installments. The story's disturbing premise was later revisited and reimagined in Twilight Zone: The Movie in 1983, further cementing its place in the annals of genre fiction as a chilling cultural touchstone.

Bixby also made significant, pioneering contributions to another cornerstone of science fiction television: Gene Roddenberry's original Star Trek series. He penned four pivotal episodes that helped define the show's philosophical depth and expansive universe. These included the groundbreaking "Mirror, Mirror," an episode that famously introduced the iconic "Mirror Universe" concept, a dark parallel dimension that has since been extensively explored and revered in numerous subsequent Star Trek iterations. His other notable Star Trek scripts were "Day of the Dove," an intense exploration of hatred and conflict; "Requiem for Methuselah," a romantic and melancholic tale of an immortal man; and "By Any Other Name," which depicted alien beings trapped in human form. Each of these episodes contributed significantly to the show's rich tapestry of adventurous and thought-provoking storytelling.

Collaborations and Cinematic Journeys

Bixby's collaborative spirit was also instrumental in the development of the imaginative science fiction film Fantastic Voyage (1966). Alongside Otto Klement, Bixby co-wrote the original story that captivated the public's imagination with its ingenious premise: a miniaturized submarine crew navigating the intricate wonders within the human body to perform a life-saving operation. This compelling concept proved so popular and innovative that it spawned not only the successful feature film but also a subsequent television series and even a novelization by the esteemed science fiction grandmaster Isaac Asimov, all building upon Bixby's foundational narrative.

Remarkably, one of Bixby's final and most acclaimed works, the screenplay for the 2007 science fiction film The Man from Earth, saw release nearly a decade after his passing. This profoundly thought-provoking independent film, centered on a university professor who reveals he is a Cro-Magnon man who has lived for 14,000 years, gained significant critical acclaim and developed a strong cult following, showcasing Bixby's imaginative prowess and ability to craft compelling narratives right up to the end of his life.

Beyond Science Fiction: A Multitude of Voices

While his monumental contributions to science fiction are legendary, Jerome Bixby was in fact a highly versatile writer who extensively explored other genres. He notably penned numerous western stories, demonstrating his broad range and narrative dexterity. To navigate the diverse publishing landscape, manage his prolific output, and sometimes to differentiate his work across various genres or publishing outlets, Bixby frequently adopted a variety of pseudonyms. These included Jay Lewis Bixby, D. B. Lewis, Harry Neal, Albert Russell, J. Russell, M. St. Vivant, Thornecliff Herrick, and Alger Rome. The last pseudonym, Alger Rome, was specifically used for a notable collaboration with fellow respected science fiction writer Algis Budrys, further illustrating his willingness to experiment with different identities for his varied and extensive literary output.

Frequently Asked Questions About Jerome Bixby

What is Jerome Bixby most famous for?

Jerome Bixby is most widely recognized for his chilling short story "It's a Good Life," which became one of the most iconic episodes of The Twilight Zone, and for writing several influential episodes of Star Trek: The Original Series, notably "Mirror, Mirror."

Did Jerome Bixby only write science fiction?

No, while he is celebrated for his foundational work in science fiction, Jerome Bixby was a highly versatile writer who also penned many western stories and contributed to other genres throughout his career.

How many Star Trek episodes did Jerome Bixby write?

He 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 living in a small, isolated town who possesses god-like powers, able to alter reality and punish anyone who displeases him, forcing everyone around him to constantly think "good thoughts" and pretend that everything is "good" or face horrific consequences.

Was The Man from Earth released after his death?

Yes, the screenplay for The Man from Earth was Jerome Bixby's final produced work and was released in 2007, nearly a decade after his passing in 1998, becoming a highly regarded cult film.

Why did Jerome Bixby use pseudonyms?

Like many prolific authors, Bixby used pseudonyms to publish a wider array of stories without saturating the market under a single name, to differentiate between works in various genres, or for specific collaborations, such as "Alger Rome" with Algis Budrys.