Harlan Jay Ellison was an American writer known for his prolific and influential work in speculative fiction. Born in Cleveland, Ohio, Ellison grew up in Painesville, Ohio, and briefly attended Ohio State University before being expelled. He moved to New York City in 1955 and began writing science fiction professionally.

Ellison published over 1,700 short stories, novellas, screenplays, comic book scripts, teleplays, essays, and a wide range of criticism covering literature, film, television, and print media. His notable works include the short story "I Have No Mouth, and I Must Scream" and his editorial work in the anthology "Dangerous Visions", which helped define the New Wave movement in science fiction.

Throughout his career, Ellison won numerous awards, including multiple Hugo, Nebula, and Bram Stoker Awards, as well as the Edgar Award. Known for his outspoken and sometimes controversial personality, Ellison was a fierce defender of writers' rights and creative integrity.

Ellison passed away in 2018 in Los Angeles, California, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the world of speculative fiction.