Bradbury

President Obama is a known science-fiction lover. Earlier this year, he posed for a photo with Star Trek actress Nichelle Nichols (the original Lieutenant Uhura) as the two shared the Vulcan salute.

But it appears Obama is also fond of more literary sci-fi. The White House released a statement this afternoon on the death of Ray Bradbury, the author of Fahrenheit 451 and other classics of the genre who died last night in Southern California at age 91.

In the statement, Obama said of Bradbury:

For many Americans, the news of Ray Bradbury’s death immediately brought to mind images from his work, imprinted in our minds, often from a young age. His gift for storytelling reshaped our culture and expanded our world. But Ray also understood that our imaginations could be used as a tool for better understanding, a vehicle for change, and an expression of our most cherished values. There is no doubt that Ray will continue to inspire many more generations with his writing, and our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.

LAist has more on the passing of Bradbury, who made imaginations of the future—both idealistic and dystopian—feel so much more realistic in a career that spanned nearly 70 years.