Thursday night's "ER" opened with a tribute to series creator, Michael Crichton.

Crichton died last week at age 66, after privately battling cancer.

Eriq La Salle looked into the camera and said Crichton was a "true gentleman," a brilliant writer and "unfailingly kind."

But La Salle said most of all "Michael was a good friend and we will miss him."

La Salle played Dr. Peter Benton on "ER" for many years.

"ER" ends this season after 15 years on the air.

Crichton also wrote "Jurassic Park," "The Andromeda Strain," "Westworld," "Coma," "Twister," "The 13th Warrior" and "Timeline."

"Through his books, Michael Crichton served as an inspiration to students of all ages, challenged scientists in many fields, and illuminated the mysteries of the world in a way we could all understand," his family said a statement announcing the writer's death.