Most folks around these parts know him as 'Captain Hikaru Sulu,' but to everyone else he's nothing more than good ol' George Takei. He's been a lovable goodwill ambassador and somewhat angry activist for so many years that he's been associated to our beloved franchise, and I'm told he maintains a wonderfully comic presence on Facebook. Plus, he absolutely hates his long-time co-star William Shatner. Still, whatever you may call him, just don't call him 'Shorty'! Takei was born on this day back in 1937. [Source: IMDB.com]
The venerable Bruce Cabot was the less ape-like love interest for Fay Wray aboard the seminal King Kong (1933). The actor also sported a few appearances aboard Tales Of Tomorrow. Though he's no longer with us, Cabot was born on this day in 1904.
Later in her career, award-winning actress Nina Foch played a role in the Alien Nation universe, appearing in that franchise's Dark Horizon (1994) telefilm. Though she's no longer with us, Foch was born on this day in 1924. [Source: IMDB.com]
Actor Robert DoQui played Detroit police sergeant Warren Reed, and he helped keep the streets of the future Motor City (aka Detroit ... or what was once Detroit in our timeline!) clean alongside his part-man, part-machine, all-hero officer Robocop in RoboCop, RoboCop 2, and RoboCop 3. Though he's no longer with us, DoQui was born on this day in 1934.
Author and screenwriter Peter S. Beagle has contributed greatly to the realms of Science Fiction and Fantasy. He's responsible for The Last Unicorn, The Lord of the Rings (1978), as well as the story and script for "Sarek," one of the highlights from all of Star Trek: The Next Generation's run on television. Beagle was born on this day in 1939.
Jane Daly (above center) appeared as 'Varria' in "The Most Toys," one of the creepier episodes of Star Trek: The Next Generation. She's also had roles aboard Bermuda Triangle (1996) and The X-Files. Daly was born on this day in 1948.
Gregory Itzin (above right) is one of those fabulous character actors who, unfortunately, always ends up being the bad guy! Fans know him from work aboard Voyagers!, Max Headroom, Eerie Indiana, Quantum Leap, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Star Trek: Voyager, Firefly, and Star Trek: Enterprise. Itzin was born on this day in 1948.
She suffered far more cruelly at the hands of the alien in 1979's Alien than Ripley ever did, and actress Veronica Cartwright has led a long, distinguished career in a handful of other projects before and since that seminal film. As a child, she appeared in an episode of the original Twilight Zone. She's also acted in Flight of the Navigator, Fox TV's The X-Files, and ABC TV's Invasion. Cartwright was born on this day in 1949.
Her theatrical debut was in the ultimate monster movie remake of an era! Jessica Lange couldn't tame the savage beast that was King Kong (1976), and who could blame him? That lovely look would be enough to drive any man ape! Lange continues to be one of the most prolific actresses of her generation, and she was born on this day in 1949.
We who love Science Fiction appreciated lovely ladies coming along for the ride, but we only have one rule: they must be tough! There with Doctor Who's Tom Baker was one of the original tough one: 'Leela,' as played by the lovely Louise Jameson. Her somewhat 'tribal' instincts often gave the good Doctor a cause to be taken aback, and he'd properly scoff at her the way only a Time Lord could. Jameson was born on this day in 1951. [Source: IMDB.com]
When not lending his talents to his brother Ron's many film projects, veteran character actor Clint Howard always manages to steal a few scenes his minor characters appear in. Of course, Star Trek fans recall his small role in that franchise, but he was also one of the main players for the short-lived Space Rangers television program. Howard was born on this day in 1959.
One of Yuji Okumoto's earliest roles was aboard the terrific SciFi/Comedy Real Genius (1985), and it's good he kept his SciFi credentials active with a bigger part aboard Beta Test (2016). Okumoto was born on this day in 1959.
The exotic Seeta Indrani hasn't done much in the realms of Science Fiction or Fantasy, but she did have a guest role aboard Wizards Vs. Aliens that deserves mention. From what I've seen on IMDB.com, she also contributed some vocals to a Star Wars video game as well. Indrani was born on this day in 1963.
Nicholas Cascone had two opportunities to play in the world of Star Trek: (1) aboard Star Trek: The Next Generation, he appeared as 'Ensign Davies' in "Pen Pals"; and (2) aboard Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, he appeared as 'Timor' in "Equilibrium." Cascone was born on this day in 1963.
As an actor, Andy Serkis is a bit of an anomaly. These days, we don't "see" him onscreen as much as we see the creations he helps bring to life, namely Caesar -- the intelligent chimp at the heart of both Rise of the Planet of the Apes and Dawn of the Planet of the Apes. Serkis was born on this day in 1964.
Crispin Glover had a great comedic presence in Back to the Future, but -- for reasons I've never quite clearly understood -- he wanted nothing to do with continuing the appearances in the remainder of the FUTURE films. Still, he pops up every now and then in some interesting properties. Glover was born on this day in 1964. [Source: IMDB.com]
I don't know about you, but I love the DC Universe's animated properties ... and the talented Shemar Moore has been tapped a few times to bring the Cyborg to life through vocals. Moore was born on this day in 1970.
Aside from being hailed as one of the most beautiful creatures known to modern man, Carmen Electra helped bring to animated life the character of Six on Tripping the Rift, perhaps one of the most beautiful creatures known to animated man! Electra was born on this day in 1972. [Source: IMDB.com]
Even Joey Lawrence has slipped into the realm of Science Fiction with a role aboard Android Apocalypse (2006). Lawrence was born on this day in 1976.
I haven't yet seen Spectral 'cause I don't Netflix, but the talented Clayne Crawford (above right) has a role in the feature so I'll definitely have to one day. Crawford was born on this day in 1978.
A young lady I worked with turned my wife and I on to The CW's long-running Supernatural. We grew to love the characters -- not necessarily all of the various story arcs -- but one of my favorite characters was the somewhat late edition to the cast of evildoers, the lovely Ruth Connell. Seriously, why no spinoff? Just one focusing on Rowena? Lucifer gets his own show (I know it isn't affiliated with the Supernatural mythos exactly), and I think passing up something for this incredible ginger is a big miss. Connell was born on this day in 1979. [Source: IMDB.com]
There's no crying in SciFi! Early in his career, John Patrick Amedori had a role aboard the Ashton Kutcher SciFi flick The Butterfly Effect (2004). Amedori was born on this day in 1987.
In the role of 'Cisco Ramon,' the young Carlos Valdes provides some high-minded scientific support to The Flash aboard one of The CW's signature superhero dramas. Valdes was born on this day in 1989. [Source: IMDB.com]
On this day in 1951 (in Sweden), Rocketship X-M soared onto the silver screen. Directed by Kurt Neumann, the SciFi feature starred Lloyd Bridges and Osa Massen, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"An astronaut crew on their way to the Moon are unexpectedly propelled by gravitational forces and end up on Mars instead."
"An astronaut crew on their way to the Moon are unexpectedly propelled by gravitational forces and end up on Mars instead."
A star is born! On this day in 1955, Conquest Of Space stirred up a little bit of interest in the final frontier. Directed by Byron Haskin, the feature starred Walter Brooke and Eric Fleming, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"An American-led team of International astronauts leave their space station on the first mission to Mars, but the captain's religious beliefs may get in the way."
"An American-led team of International astronauts leave their space station on the first mission to Mars, but the captain's religious beliefs may get in the way."
On this day in 1965 (in Sweden), X: The Man With X-Ray Eyes premiered in theatres. It starred the venerable Ray Milland, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"A doctor uses special eye drops to give himself x-ray vision, but the new power has disastrous consequences."
"A doctor uses special eye drops to give himself x-ray vision, but the new power has disastrous consequences."
On this day in 1985 (in Japan), Spacehunter: Adventures In The Forbidden Zone enjoyed its theatrical release. Directed by Lamont Johnson, the SciFi feature starred Peter Strauss and Molly Ringwald, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"On a distant planet inhabited by mutants, two bounty-hunters race to rescue three Earth female captives from the clutches of an evil mutant warlord."
"On a distant planet inhabited by mutants, two bounty-hunters race to rescue three Earth female captives from the clutches of an evil mutant warlord."
On this day in 1990, Martians Go Home invaded Earth theaters. Directed by David Odell, the SciFi/Comedy starred Randy Quaid and Margaret Colin, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Song writer Mark Devereaux accidentally calls millions of green Martians to invade Earth. No they aren't dangerous, just wise-cracking, intrusive, pain in neck, annoyances. No one can escape their distracting influence. It's up to Mark to figure out how they got here, and most importantly, how to get rid of them before they drive everyone crazy!"
"Song writer Mark Devereaux accidentally calls millions of green Martians to invade Earth. No they aren't dangerous, just wise-cracking, intrusive, pain in neck, annoyances. No one can escape their distracting influence. It's up to Mark to figure out how they got here, and most importantly, how to get rid of them before they drive everyone crazy!"
On this day in 1996 (in the Netherlands), the 1982-produced version of Swamp Thing played for audiences in attendance of the Amsterdam Fantastic Film Festival. Written and directed by Wes Craven, the Fantasy film starred Louis Jourdan and Adrienne Barbeau, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"After a violent incident with a special chemical, a research scientist is turned into a swamp plant monster."
"After a violent incident with a special chemical, a research scientist is turned into a swamp plant monster."
A star is born! On this day in 2005 (in the United Kingdom), The Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy enjoyed its silver screen premiere in London. Directed by Garth Jennings, this cinematic adaptation of the beloved Douglas Adams novel starred Martin Freeman, Mos Def, and Sam Rockwell. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Mere seconds before the Earth is to be demolished by an alien construction crew, journeyman Arthur Dent is swept off the planet by his friend Ford Prefect, a researcher penning a new edition of 'The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy.'"
"Mere seconds before the Earth is to be demolished by an alien construction crew, journeyman Arthur Dent is swept off the planet by his friend Ford Prefect, a researcher penning a new edition of 'The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy.'"
On this day in 2010 (in Belgium), The 7th Dimension (aka Beacon 77) opened a door into another cinematic possibility. Conceived and directed by Brad Watson, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Kelly Adams and Lucy Evans, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Two young women arrive at a curious penthouse apartment, led by one's crush on her tutor. However, her love interest doesn't live alone. He's part of a trio of computer hackers about to embark on the ultimate job on the world's most mysterious mainframe. Whilst doing so, they unlock more than they bargain for with supernatural and ultimately fatal results. Can this seemingly insignificant chain of events, which have thrown this group together, be construed as fate? Can the beacon provide a signal of hope or is it a web of manipulation, paranoia and ultimately... murder?"
"Two young women arrive at a curious penthouse apartment, led by one's crush on her tutor. However, her love interest doesn't live alone. He's part of a trio of computer hackers about to embark on the ultimate job on the world's most mysterious mainframe. Whilst doing so, they unlock more than they bargain for with supernatural and ultimately fatal results. Can this seemingly insignificant chain of events, which have thrown this group together, be construed as fate? Can the beacon provide a signal of hope or is it a web of manipulation, paranoia and ultimately... murder?"
On this day in 2011 (in Sweden), Battle Los Angeles waged its war on the silver screen. Directed by Jonathan Liebesman, the SciFi feature starred Aaron Eckhart and Michelle Rodriguez, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A squad of U.S. Marines becomes the last line of defense against a global invasion."
"A squad of U.S. Marines becomes the last line of defense against a global invasion."
On this day in 2012 (in the United Kingdom), the Apocalypse drama The Divide gave audiences one more look at our impending doom. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Survivors of a nuclear attack are grouped together for days in the basement of their apartment building, where fear and dwindling supplies wear away at their dynamic."
"Survivors of a nuclear attack are grouped together for days in the basement of their apartment building, where fear and dwindling supplies wear away at their dynamic."
A star is born! On this day in 2018, Genesis happened! (Well, cinematically, that is ...) This SciFi/Drama was the third feature written and directed by the team of Freddie Hutton-Mills and Bart Ruspoli. The feature starred Olivia Grant, Chiké Okonkwo, and Amrtia Acharia, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In a post-apocalyptic society, living underground as protection from pollution, the main concern is getting enough food and finding other survivors. A pollution-resistant android with A.I. is developed to help obtain this."
"In a post-apocalyptic society, living underground as protection from pollution, the main concern is getting enough food and finding other survivors. A pollution-resistant android with A.I. is developed to help obtain this."
On this day in 1954, Rocky Jones, Space Ranger aired "Bobby's Comet: Chapter III." This served as the sixth episode of the program's first (and only) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by TV.com:
"Professor Kardos lends his assistance to Griff, Darganto, and Cleolanthe of Ophiuchus who join together to lead an invasion of Fornax."
"Professor Kardos lends his assistance to Griff, Darganto, and Cleolanthe of Ophiuchus who join together to lead an invasion of Fornax."
On this day in 1960, Men Into Space aired "Voice of Infinity." This served as the twenty-eighth episode in the program's only season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Space station Astra is chosen for a medical experiment to measure men's reactions to stress and fatigue. The medical director is convinced he can quantify a person's reactions to strain and so prevent accidents. Then a life-threatening problem on the space station requires men to perform well beyond their limits. An inner "voice of infinity" is what they heard, enabling them to save the situation."
"Space station Astra is chosen for a medical experiment to measure men's reactions to stress and fatigue. The medical director is convinced he can quantify a person's reactions to strain and so prevent accidents. Then a life-threatening problem on the space station requires men to perform well beyond their limits. An inner "voice of infinity" is what they heard, enabling them to save the situation."
On this day in 1964, The Outer Limits aired "Production and Decay of Strange Particles." This served as the thirtieth episode to the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"An accident at a nuclear research facility creates a dimensional doorway in which aliens need to widen to invade our world. A scientist races to discover a way to reverse the damage and close the doorway."
"An accident at a nuclear research facility creates a dimensional doorway in which aliens need to widen to invade our world. A scientist races to discover a way to reverse the damage and close the doorway."
On this day in 1966, Lost In Space aired "A Change Of Space." Officially, this served as the twenty-eighth episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A strange interdimensional ship turns Will into a genius and Dr. Smith into an old man."
"A strange interdimensional ship turns Will into a genius and Dr. Smith into an old man."
On this day in 1968, Doctor Who aired "Fury From The Deep, Part 6." This served as the thirty-fourth episode of the program's fifth season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"The Doctor and Jamie rescue Victoria from Robson and realise they can destroy the Weed Creature with sound waves."
"The Doctor and Jamie rescue Victoria from Robson and realise they can destroy the Weed Creature with sound waves."
On this day in 1970 (in the United Kingdom), Doomwatch aired "Train And De-Train." Officially, this served as the tenth episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Two thousand animals are found dead in the Somerset countryside. Doomwatch investigate whether or not a new pesticide is to blame."
"Two thousand animals are found dead in the Somerset countryside. Doomwatch investigate whether or not a new pesticide is to blame."
On this day in 1975, The Six Million Dollar Man aired "Outrage in Balinderry." Officially, this served as the twenty-first episode in the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"An Amassador's wife is kidnapped by the Independent Balinderry Army, I.B.A. for short. As Steve Austin heads for the small island republic to save her, he becomes involved with Unit 10 of the I.B.A. and it's mysterious leader, Commander 10."
"An Amassador's wife is kidnapped by the Independent Balinderry Army, I.B.A. for short. As Steve Austin heads for the small island republic to save her, he becomes involved with Unit 10 of the I.B.A. and it's mysterious leader, Commander 10."
On this day in 1991, Star Trek: The Next Generation aired "Qpid." This served as the twentieth episode of the program's fourth season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Picard is visited by his archaeologist girlfriend, Vash. Then Q appears, claiming that he owes Picard a debt for helping him back into the Continuum. He decides to repay it by illustrating to Picard the pitfalls of getting involved with someone, by placing them all in a fantasy world where Picard is Robin Hood, Vash Maid Marian and Q the Sheriff of Nottingham."
"Picard is visited by his archaeologist girlfriend, Vash. Then Q appears, claiming that he owes Picard a debt for helping him back into the Continuum. He decides to repay it by illustrating to Picard the pitfalls of getting involved with someone, by placing them all in a fantasy world where Picard is Robin Hood, Vash Maid Marian and Q the Sheriff of Nottingham."
On this day in 1993, Quantum Leap aired "Memphis Melody." Officially, this served as the twenty-first episode in the program's fifth (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"While impersonating the King, Elvis Presley, Sam must save a Memphis Belle from a bad marriage."
"While impersonating the King, Elvis Presley, Sam must save a Memphis Belle from a bad marriage."
On this day in 1994, "Deathwalker" aired as the ninth episode of Babylon 5's first season. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A war criminal scientist who is the last of the notorious Dilgars is discovered on B5 bearing an extraordinary medication that all the powers want."
"A war criminal scientist who is the last of the notorious Dilgars is discovered on B5 bearing an extraordinary medication that all the powers want."
The platoon called the Fighting 58th gets abandoned on a deserted world when their ship, the USS Saratoga, is suddenly called away into a major offensive. The soldiers are left with no food and only the weapons they have on them with no idea of how long they'll have to survive. The episode of Space: Above and Beyond called "Sugar Dirt" premiered on this day back in 1996.
On this day in 1997, The X-Files aired "Small Potatoes." Officially, this served as the twentieth episode in the program's fourth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Five unrelated women in a small town give birth to babies with small tails. The prime suspect is a man who can shape shift into whomever he wants."
"Five unrelated women in a small town give birth to babies with small tails. The prime suspect is a man who can shape shift into whomever he wants."
On this day in 2007, Stargate: SG-1 aired "Line in the Sand" as the twelfth episode of the program's tenth (and final) season. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Having left Daniel behind with Adria, the remaining members of SG-1 have been testing some of the new technology acquired from Merlin. When they receive information that the Ori have delivered an ultimatum to villagers on P9C-882, Gen. Landry gives the go ahead to test the weapon on a much larger scale. Sam's doubts about the readiness of the device proves true with the end result being that she is seriously wounded and Teal'c is taken prisoner. Vala is transported to the Ori ship by her husband Tomin who has been tasked with converting her. Tomin begins to doubt his faith however when the prior orders all the villagers killed, even after they have submitted to the Ori's will."
"Having left Daniel behind with Adria, the remaining members of SG-1 have been testing some of the new technology acquired from Merlin. When they receive information that the Ori have delivered an ultimatum to villagers on P9C-882, Gen. Landry gives the go ahead to test the weapon on a much larger scale. Sam's doubts about the readiness of the device proves true with the end result being that she is seriously wounded and Teal'c is taken prisoner. Vala is transported to the Ori ship by her husband Tomin who has been tasked with converting her. Tomin begins to doubt his faith however when the prior orders all the villagers killed, even after they have submitted to the Ori's will."
On this day in 2007, Stargate: Atlantis aired "Echoes" as the twelfth episode to the program's third season. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Teyla witnesses what appear to be an Ancient apparitions, which soon other people start to see."
"Teyla witnesses what appear to be an Ancient apparitions, which soon other people start to see."
On this day in 2010 (in Australia), Primeval aired "The Chase Continues." Officially, this served as the tenth episode in the program's third season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Sarah and Becker battle giant insects who have come through the rift at Johnson's H.Q. whilst Abby, Connor and Danny pursue Helen Cutter through the anomaly she has created. Her plan is to travel back to Africa in the year four million B.C. in order to stop the evolution of human life. With Connor injured Danny faces her alone but has an unexpected ally to help him save the world. Can he make it back to his own time before the anomaly closes?"
"Sarah and Becker battle giant insects who have come through the rift at Johnson's H.Q. whilst Abby, Connor and Danny pursue Helen Cutter through the anomaly she has created. Her plan is to travel back to Africa in the year four million B.C. in order to stop the evolution of human life. With Connor injured Danny faces her alone but has an unexpected ally to help him save the world. Can he make it back to his own time before the anomaly closes?"
On this day in 2013, the clones came face-to-face in a deadly exchange on the BBC's stellar sci-fi drama, Orphan Black. "Effects on External Conditions" was curiously named indeed, and here's the episode summary from IMDB.com:
"Sarah returns the money to Alison who seems upset when Sarah mentions she has a biological daughter while her own are adopted. Still posing as Beth, Sarah and Beth's police partner Art Bell begin to track down the woman who attacked her. They find the house where she obviously did some self-surgery. She also left a message for Beth. She contacts Beth to arrange a meeting and identifies herself as Helena. Sarah finds a connection with Aggie Chen, the woman Beth shot. When she can't make a rendezvous to see her daughter Kira, Sarah has an easy solution."
"Sarah returns the money to Alison who seems upset when Sarah mentions she has a biological daughter while her own are adopted. Still posing as Beth, Sarah and Beth's police partner Art Bell begin to track down the woman who attacked her. They find the house where she obviously did some self-surgery. She also left a message for Beth. She contacts Beth to arrange a meeting and identifies herself as Helena. Sarah finds a connection with Aggie Chen, the woman Beth shot. When she can't make a rendezvous to see her daughter Kira, Sarah has an easy solution."
On this day in 2013, Doctor Who aired "Hide" as the tenth episode of the program's seventh season. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The Doctor and Clara arrive at an old manor house in 1974 where Alec Palmer and Emma Grayling are investigating the existence of a ghost. Alec is a former army Major, now a psychologist, whilst Emma is an empathic psychic who can not only sense the presence of paranormal beings, but can sense their feelings as well. Palmer explains the house has been haunted for hundreds of years, and the ghost - a woman - is likely much older. Emma senses the ghost is very lonely, but the Doctor realises she's not a ghost at all, but a creature trapped in a zone where time moves much faster there than it does here. The good Doctor gets to play Cupid."
"The Doctor and Clara arrive at an old manor house in 1974 where Alec Palmer and Emma Grayling are investigating the existence of a ghost. Alec is a former army Major, now a psychologist, whilst Emma is an empathic psychic who can not only sense the presence of paranormal beings, but can sense their feelings as well. Palmer explains the house has been haunted for hundreds of years, and the ghost - a woman - is likely much older. Emma senses the ghost is very lonely, but the Doctor realises she's not a ghost at all, but a creature trapped in a zone where time moves much faster there than it does here. The good Doctor gets to play Cupid."
