Earp died on January 13, 1929. Known as a Western lawman, gunfighter, and boxing referee, he had a notorious reputation for his handling of the Fitzsimmons–Sharkey fight and his role in the O.K. Corral gunfight. This began to change only after his death when the extremely flattering biography "" was published in 1931, becoming a bestseller and creating his reputation as a fearless lawman. Since then, Earp has been the subject of numerous films, television shows, biographies, and works of fiction which have increased his fame and his notoriety. Long after his death, he has many devoted detractors and admirers. His modern-day reputation is that of the Old West's toughest and deadliest gunman.