Kim Peek, 1951-2009

Sadly, Kim Peek - an autistic savant known as the "real Rain Man" - has passed away in his home. Peek's incredible memory skills, paired with his severe disabilities, inspired the Oscar-winning film Rain Man, which starred Dustin Hoffman and Tom Cruise.

"Kim taught us something about human potential beyond what most of us can even imagine let alone explain."

- Deseret News, Peek's local paper

"His legacy can be summed up in one word: inspiration."

- Darold Treffert, a psychiatrist who was close to Peek and advised the makers of Rain Man

"I was absolutely flabbergasted. I could not get this man out of my mind."

- David Morrow, Rain Man screenwriter, said of his meeting with Peek

"His gift to the world was that he was a source of hope to others wherever he went."

- Neurologist Elliott Sherr, with Peek at the time of his death

"You don't have to be handicapped to be different. Everybody is different."

- Kim Peek

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