As I've said before, I wasn't all googoo and gaga over the updated Battlestar Galactica, but I did appreciate the work most of the players brought to their franchise. Actress Mary McDonnell did a particularly wonderful job trying to balance her responsibilities of managing the fleet while struggling privately with a devastating illness. McDonnell was born on this day in 1952. [Source: IMDB.com]
The venerable Robert Cornthwaite (far left, in the turtleneck) amassed well over one hundred and fifty different screen credits in his lifetime, but Science Fiction fans probably know him best from The Thing From Another World (1951). So far as Science Fiction goes, however, he did impress in such other projects as The War of the Worlds (1953), Men Into Space, Destination Space (1959), The Twilight Zone, Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea, Land of the Giants, Colossus: The Forbin Project (1970), The Six Million Dollar Man, Futureworld (1976), Buck Rogers in the 25th Century, Time Trackers (1989), White Dwarf (1995), and The Naked Monster (2005). Though he's no longer with us, Cornthwaite was born on this day in 1917. [Source: IMDB.com]
The lovely Charlene Holt played no less than the mother of Wonder Woman -- Hippolyta -- aboard the 1974 TV movie that launched the franchise, though both Hippolyta and Wonder Woman would be recast for the weekly superhero procedural. (Interestingly enough, you'll see below that the other version of Hippolyta shares the same birth day!) Though she's no longer with us, Holt was born on this day in 1928. [Source: IMDB.com]
The lovely Carolyn Jones will always be remembered for bringing 'Morticia' to life as part of The Addams Family, but DC Comics and Wonder Woman fans might remember her for her appearances as 'Queen Hippolyta' aboard that 1970's superhero program. The actress also made appearances aboard The War of the Worlds (1953), Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956), Batman, and Kolchak: The Night Stalker. Though she's no longer with us, Jones was born on this day in 1930.
Earlier in his professional career as a director, the late Richard C. Sarafian certainly trafficked in some popular television franchises including The Twilight Zone, The Wild Wild West, Batman, and The Girl From U.N.C.L.E. At some point, it looks like he made the transition to feature films, though many of them appear forgettable against the vast history of what's come before and after. Late in his resume, he did direct Solar Crisis (1990) for Japan America Picture Company (and a host of other production companies), but it would appear he asked for his name to go unattached. Sad. Though he's no longer with us, Sarafian was born on this day in 1930. [Source: IMDB.com]
The lovely Madge Sinclair played in the wide world of Star Trek with an uncredited role aboard Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home as well as a guest spot during Star Trek: The Next Generation's seventh season. Though she's no longer with us, Sinclair was born on this day in 1938. [Source: IMDB.com]
It isn't every day that you get a vision as heavenly as Ann-Margaret to claim for your genre (as we get to do thanks for her work in the TV miniseries for The 10th Kingdom), so when you do you take it! The actress was born on this day in 1941. [Source: IMDB.com]
The lovely Marcia Strassman found her children much less than how she'd left them in Walt Disney's Honey, I Shrunk The Kids (1989). Though she's no longer with us, Strassman was born on this day in 1948. [Source: IMDB.com]
Visionary Science Fiction and Fantasy author Terry Pratchett leaves behind a legacy in print that continues to inspire readers of his far-off creations, ideas, and general musings. And with over 85 million books of his distributed worldwide, I suspect his best works will be around with us for a very long time. Though he's no longer with us, Pratchett was born on this day in 1948. [Source: IMDB.com]
Screen veteran Paul Guilfoyle turned up in a rather devious role aboard USA Network's Colony for a few episodes. Guilfoyle was born on this day in 1949. [Source: IMDB.com]
You say you're a fan of Star Trek? Then how about you be our research specialist? That's the gig Richard Arnold held as part of Star Trek: The Next Generation's behind-the-scenes production. He also enjoyed an uncredited role aboard JJ Abrams' 2009 reboot of the beloved space franchise. Arnold was born on this day in 1954. [Source: IMDB.com]
Along with a few guest spots in the world of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, actor Todd Waring also visited the universe of Sliders. Waring was born on this day in 1955. [Source: IMDB.com]
Soap opera star Nancy Lee Grahn turned "space saga guest star" with a spot aboard Babylon 5's "The War Prayer." She also appeared on The Incredible Hulk, Knight Rider, and The Phoenix in the 1980's. Grahn was born on this day in 1956. [Source: IMDB.com]
The exotic Cassandra Gava tried her 'witchy wiles' out on Conan The Barbarian (1982), and she suffered understandably for doing so. Gava was born on this day in 1959. [Source: IMDB.com]
The talented Harry Kloor has crafted stories for Star Trek: Voyager and Earth: Final Conflict as well as Quantum Quest: A Cassini Space Odyssey (2010). Kloor was born on this day in 1963. [Source: Memory Alpha]
Quite a bit of Kari Wuhrer's work gets overlooked because it ends up getting released direct-to-DVD. However, she did a nice turn in joining the team of Sliders late in its run. Wuhrer was born on this day in 1967. [Source: IMDB.com]
The fetching Simbi Khali (sometimes Simbi Kali) played Science Fiction for big laughs aboard NBC's popular SciFi/Sitcom 3rd Rock From The Sun. Khali was born on this day in 1971. [Source: IMDB.com]
The lovely Ms. Bridget Moynahan (above left) joined forces with Will Smith in the popular SciFi flick, I, Robot, which of course was based on the Isaac Asimov novel. Moynahan was born on this day in 1971. [Source: IMDB.com]
Aboard the SciFi/Cult series Max Headroom, Chris Young (in the back, over everyone's shoulders) played 'Bryce Lynch,' the budding computer genius whose efforts actually brought Max to life. The actor also booked time aboard The Runestone (1991) and Warlock: The Armageddon (1993). Young was born on this day in 1971. [Source: IMDB.com]
The lovely Elisabeth Röhm has definitely made some in-roads into the realms of Science Fiction and Fantasy. For the record, she's appeared aboard Angel, Masters of Science Fiction, Heroes, Lake Placid: The Final Chapter (2012), Mega Shark Vs. Mecha Shark (2014), Beauty and the Beast, and The Last Ship. Röhm was born on this day in 1973. [Source: IMDB.com]
Without a doubt, Jorge Garcia's 'Hurley' was one of the most likeable characters in all of ABC TV's Lost saga, and I'd argue he might well be one of the most likeable in all of genre entertainment. He went on to JJ Abrams' short-lived Alcatraz, but he played a largely similar character to much less effect. Garcia was born on this day in 1973. [Source: IMDB.com]
In his youth, Robert Oliveri lit up the silver screen as 'Nick Szalinski' aboard Walt Disney's Honey, I Shrunk The Kids (1989). Oliveri was born on this day in 1978. [Source: IMDB.com]
By the look of things, Dave Power had the stuffing scared out of him during his guest spot aboard Star Trek: Enterprise. Power was born on this day in 1978. [Source: IMDB.com]
Continuing a long-standing trend of 'hot chicks in SciFi,' today we get to focus on Jessica Alba! The star of TV and the silver screen really came to everyone's attention when she headlined the Fox TV SciFi program Dark Angel -- in the post-apocalyptic world of tomorrow, Max (Alba) starred as a genetically-modified human who found work as a messenger. It lasted only two seasons, but it generated a lot of fond memories for its group of loyal fans. Alba was born on this day in 1981. [Source: IMDB.com]
That lovely lady is none other than Samantha Lockwood. She's the daughter of Gary Lockwood of 2001: A Space Odyssey fame. After a small role in Sci-Fighter (2004), the lady was set for larger exposure aboard Star Trek Equinox: The Night Of Time, a web-based project that shows filming though I can't help but wonder if Paramount Pictures' recent decree put the feature in limbo. In any event, Lockwood was born on this day in 1982. [Source: IMDB.com]
The talented Harry Shum Jr. (above left) moved from the world of Glee into the Fantasy-themed Shadowhunters: The Mortal Instruments with relative ease. Shum Jr. was born on this day in 1982. [Source: IMDB.com]
Whoa. Some names are really a mouthful! I wouldn't even begin to know how to pronounce lovely Stephanie Corneliussen's name, but I totally dug her sexy and duplicitous performances aboard The CW's Legends of Tomorrow. Corneliussen was born on this day in 1987. [Source: IMDB.com]
Up'n'coming Tony Revolori played a part aboard The 5th Wave (2016), the big screen adaptation of the young adult novel. Revolori was born on this day in 1996. [Source: IMDB.com]
On this day in 1958 (in Sweden), The Vampire reared up and sunk its fangs into audiences. Directed by Paul Landres, the SciFi/Horror starred John Beal and Coleen Gray, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Dr. Matthew Campbell invents pills to help with the human mind but instead he becomes extremely addicted to them. He stops taking them and tries to warn his friend Dr. Paul Beecher about the pills but dies before he can. Dr Beecher accidentally ingests some of these pills, and unbeknownst to him they're turning him into a dangerous fanged creature."
"Dr. Matthew Campbell invents pills to help with the human mind but instead he becomes extremely addicted to them. He stops taking them and tries to warn his friend Dr. Paul Beecher about the pills but dies before he can. Dr Beecher accidentally ingests some of these pills, and unbeknownst to him they're turning him into a dangerous fanged creature."
On this day in 1983 (in Mexico), Scared To Death literally scared moviegoers to death! (Not really.) Written for the screen and directed by William Malone, the SciFi/Horror starred John Stinson and Diana Davidson, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"An ex-cop, now working as a hack novelist, is called out of retirement to help investigate a string of deaths that appear to be the work of a serial killer but soon are revealed to be the work of the Syngenor - the synthesized genetic organism!"
"An ex-cop, now working as a hack novelist, is called out of retirement to help investigate a string of deaths that appear to be the work of a serial killer but soon are revealed to be the work of the Syngenor - the synthesized genetic organism!"
On this day in 1983 (in Colombia), Swamp Thing emerged from the murky depths cinematically. Written and directed by Wes Craven, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Adrienne Barbeau and Ray Wise, 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."
On this day in 1984 (in the Philippines), Krull enjoyed a theatrical release. Directed by Peter Yates, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Ken Marshall and Lysette Anthony, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A prince and a fellowship of companions set out to rescue his bride from a fortress of alien invaders who have arrived on their home planet."
"A prince and a fellowship of companions set out to rescue his bride from a fortress of alien invaders who have arrived on their home planet."
On this day in 1990 (in West Germany), the 1962-produced Fantasy release The Magic Sword enjoyed its premiere on broadcast television. Written and directed by Bert I. Gordon, the release starred Gary Lockwood and Estelle Winwood, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The son of a sorceress, armed with weapons, armour and six magically summoned knights, embarks on a quest to save a princess from a vengeful wizard."
"The son of a sorceress, armed with weapons, armour and six magically summoned knights, embarks on a quest to save a princess from a vengeful wizard."
If you missed Robot Wars -- which premiered on this day back in 1993 -- then the truth is you didn't really miss all that much. As is often the case with these small, rarely-heard-of stinkers, its premise sounds vastly better than the completed product. Anyway, here's the summary from IMDB.com:
"In the year 2041, the rebel Centros are a plague to the survivors of the great toxic gas scare of 1993. A renegade Megarobot pilot and an archaeologist must team up (despite personal differences, a reluctant romance, and official pressure to cease and desist) to thwart the Centro's attempts to resurrect a hidden Megarobot, with which they can challenge the prevailing order."
If you're interested in a bit more, then check out SciFiHistory.Net's review of Robot Wars right here.
"In the year 2041, the rebel Centros are a plague to the survivors of the great toxic gas scare of 1993. A renegade Megarobot pilot and an archaeologist must team up (despite personal differences, a reluctant romance, and official pressure to cease and desist) to thwart the Centro's attempts to resurrect a hidden Megarobot, with which they can challenge the prevailing order."
If you're interested in a bit more, then check out SciFiHistory.Net's review of Robot Wars right here.
Though I can't say this with definite assurance (as I've never seen this direct-to-DVD release that premiered on this day in 2009), I'm willing to wager good money that The Terminators was essentially made to cash in on another big name SciFi franchise. I could be wrong. In any event, here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A small band of resistance fighters battle the cyborgs that have taken control of the planet."
"A small band of resistance fighters battle the cyborgs that have taken control of the planet."
On this day in 2016 (in Serbia and Slovenia), The Rift: The Dark Side Of The Moon enjoyed its theatrical release. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"An American military satellite crash lands in Eastern Serbia and a team of US and Serbian agents are dispatched to secure the remains of the satellite, but when they locate the crash site all is not as it seems."
"An American military satellite crash lands in Eastern Serbia and a team of US and Serbian agents are dispatched to secure the remains of the satellite, but when they locate the crash site all is not as it seems."
On this day in 2017, STAR [Space Traveling Alien Reject] enjoyed a limited U.S. theatrical release. Directed by Adam R. Steigert, the SciFi/Comedy starred Chris Barbis and Aryn Fitzgerald, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Greg Vincent is a struggling, alcoholic writer who has suffered a terrible loss in his life and is looking for inspiration for his next story. During this difficult time, he encounters a strange being from out of this world. Could this possible be the basis for the perfect story which could jump start not only his career but also his life?"
"Greg Vincent is a struggling, alcoholic writer who has suffered a terrible loss in his life and is looking for inspiration for his next story. During this difficult time, he encounters a strange being from out of this world. Could this possible be the basis for the perfect story which could jump start not only his career but also his life?"
On this day in 1978, The Incredible Hulk aired "Never Give A Trucker An Even Break." This served as the ninth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"While hitchhiking, Banner is picked up by a young woman desperate to get her rig back from the men who stole it from her."
"While hitchhiking, Banner is picked up by a young woman desperate to get her rig back from the men who stole it from her."
On this day in 1987, Max Headroom aired the fifth episode of its first season. The hour was called "War," and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Edison and the Network 23 team are dumbfounded when a lesser rival network appears to be always at the scenes of recent terrorist attacks for the big ratings-drawing exclusives."
"Edison and the Network 23 team are dumbfounded when a lesser rival network appears to be always at the scenes of recent terrorist attacks for the big ratings-drawing exclusives."
On this day in 1988, Max Headroom aired "Neurostim." This served as the sixth episode in the program's second (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Zik Zak comes up with a new promotional giveaway called the Neurostim bracelet which implants the perfect life into your imagination and gives you the drive to make it happen no matter what the cost."
"Zik Zak comes up with a new promotional giveaway called the Neurostim bracelet which implants the perfect life into your imagination and gives you the drive to make it happen no matter what the cost."
On this day in 1990, Star Trek: The Next Generation aired "Hollow Pursuits." This served as the twenty-first episode of the program's third season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"A shy member of the Enterprise crew becomes addicted to the holodeck, where relationships are easier there than in real life, when his knowledge is needed in engineering."
"A shy member of the Enterprise crew becomes addicted to the holodeck, where relationships are easier there than in real life, when his knowledge is needed in engineering."
On this day in 1995, the cyber-drama VR5 started to wind down with its last few episodes. This hour was titled "Control Freak," and here's the plot summary from TV.com:
"When an armed man takes hostages in an air traffic control tower, Sydney is ordered to establish a VR link. In the process, she discovers a cover-up over the reason for a crash several years earlier: the crash was actually caused by a bomb planted by the Committee in an attempt to assassinate Oliver."
"When an armed man takes hostages in an air traffic control tower, Sydney is ordered to establish a VR link. In the process, she discovers a cover-up over the reason for a crash several years earlier: the crash was actually caused by a bomb planted by the Committee in an attempt to assassinate Oliver."
On this day in 1997, "Lines of Communication" aired as the eleventh episode of Babylon 5's fourth season. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Delenn meets the Drakhs for the first time."
"Delenn meets the Drakhs for the first time."
On this day in 1999, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine aired "The Changing Face of Evil." This served as the twentieth episode of the program's seventh (and final) season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"After the Breen attack Earth, mixed emotions abound on DS9. Kai Winn reveals her true feelings regarding the Prophets to her spiritual guide, a Bajoran farmer named Anjohl, who is a surgically altered Dukat, and turns her back on them, and convinced by him to embrace the Pah Wraiths. On the home world of Cardassia, Legate Damar mounts a resistance to the Dominion."
"After the Breen attack Earth, mixed emotions abound on DS9. Kai Winn reveals her true feelings regarding the Prophets to her spiritual guide, a Bajoran farmer named Anjohl, who is a surgically altered Dukat, and turns her back on them, and convinced by him to embrace the Pah Wraiths. On the home world of Cardassia, Legate Damar mounts a resistance to the Dominion."
On this day in 1999, Star Trek: Voyager aired "Someone To Watch Over Me." This served as the twenty-second episode of the program's fifth season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Voyager makes first contact with the Kadi, a ritualistic race with many social protocol. Seven takes the advice of the Captain and The Doctor gives her classes in dating. Neelix plays babysit-the-drunk when Tomin (guest star Scott Thompson,) the Kadi Ambassador turns from preacher to party animal. The Doctor finds himself falling for his student."
"Voyager makes first contact with the Kadi, a ritualistic race with many social protocol. Seven takes the advice of the Captain and The Doctor gives her classes in dating. Neelix plays babysit-the-drunk when Tomin (guest star Scott Thompson,) the Kadi Ambassador turns from preacher to party animal. The Doctor finds himself falling for his student."
On this day in 2000, Fox TV aired the sixth episode of Chris Carter's Harsh Realm. The hour was titled "Three Percenters," and here's the plot summary from TV.com:
"On a mission to recover supplies from a lost squad of Santiago's soldiers - and with Waters and the Republican Guard hot on their heels - Hobbes encounters the three percenters, characters of Harsh Realm that were not meant to be created. The game designers of Harsh Realm had a three percent error rate which created dysfunctional, angry characters. Hobbes, Pinocchio and Florence soon find themselves captives of the three percenters posing as a group of pacifists."
"On a mission to recover supplies from a lost squad of Santiago's soldiers - and with Waters and the Republican Guard hot on their heels - Hobbes encounters the three percenters, characters of Harsh Realm that were not meant to be created. The game designers of Harsh Realm had a three percent error rate which created dysfunctional, angry characters. Hobbes, Pinocchio and Florence soon find themselves captives of the three percenters posing as a group of pacifists."
On this day in 2003, Andromeda aired "Twilight of the Idols." This served as the twentieth episode of the program's third season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Andromeda encounters a group who has secretly been supporting them. Their leader claims to have a connection to the old Commonwealth. When Dylan hears the claims, he starts to have doubts."
"Andromeda encounters a group who has secretly been supporting them. Their leader claims to have a connection to the old Commonwealth. When Dylan hears the claims, he starts to have doubts."
On this day in 2003, Mutant X aired "Reality Check." This served as the twentieth episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Shalimar gets into difficulties when the team encounter a Cold War-era mutant with the ability to alter reality and destroy people's minds."
"Shalimar gets into difficulties when the team encounter a Cold War-era mutant with the ability to alter reality and destroy people's minds."
On this day in 2004, Star Trek: Enterprise aired "The Forgotten." This served as the twentieth episode of the program's third season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Enterprise has arrived on time for the appointment with Xindi Degra. Captain Archer invites them to their ship, while he does his best to convince both Degra and Arboreal Jannar that the destruction of Earth is actually part of the grand scheme of the sphere builders to conquer the universe. While Jannar remains reluctant, Degra seems to be slightly won over. Trip Tucker is having a hard time keeping Enterprise in shape and is also having difficulties with writing a letter to the parents of crewman Taylor, informing of her death. Then trouble arises when out of the blue a Reptilian ship arrives."
"Enterprise has arrived on time for the appointment with Xindi Degra. Captain Archer invites them to their ship, while he does his best to convince both Degra and Arboreal Jannar that the destruction of Earth is actually part of the grand scheme of the sphere builders to conquer the universe. While Jannar remains reluctant, Degra seems to be slightly won over. Trip Tucker is having a hard time keeping Enterprise in shape and is also having difficulties with writing a letter to the parents of crewman Taylor, informing of her death. Then trouble arises when out of the blue a Reptilian ship arrives."
On this day in 2012, Green Lantern: The Animated Series aired the ninth episode of its only season. The adventure was titled "In Love and War," and here's the plot summary compliments of our friends at TV.com:
"Hal and the others encounter the Star Sapphires, who wield violet power rings. When they visit the Star Sapphires' homeworld of Zamaron, Hal is shocked to find Carol Ferris there."
"Hal and the others encounter the Star Sapphires, who wield violet power rings. When they visit the Star Sapphires' homeworld of Zamaron, Hal is shocked to find Carol Ferris there."
