If you've never read anything by Ray Bradbury, well ... then ... for starters ... shame on you! Stop what you're doing right now, and get out to your local bookstore or library. At the very least, every science fiction fan should read "The Martian Chronicles." (I recently got after my nephew for not having yet read it!) Or maybe "Fahrenheit 451." One or the other. Go on. I'll wait.
Mr. Bradbury was born on this day back in 1920 in Waukegan, Illinois. Throughout his prolific lifetime, he penned scores of short stories and dozens of books, of which I've only mentioned two. It wasn't until the 1950's with the publication of "The Martian Chronicles" that he truly started received the recognition he deserved. In 2004, he received a National Medal of the Arts. He's one of the few sci-fi authors to have a star on the Walk of Fame. He also received the World Fantasy Award for Lifetime Achievement, the Grand Master Award from Science Fiction Writers of America, as well as an Emmy Award for his work as a writer on "The Halloween Tree" and many other singular honors.
Though he's no longer with us, make sure you think nice thoughts of him today.
Mr. Bradbury was born on this day back in 1920 in Waukegan, Illinois. Throughout his prolific lifetime, he penned scores of short stories and dozens of books, of which I've only mentioned two. It wasn't until the 1950's with the publication of "The Martian Chronicles" that he truly started received the recognition he deserved. In 2004, he received a National Medal of the Arts. He's one of the few sci-fi authors to have a star on the Walk of Fame. He also received the World Fantasy Award for Lifetime Achievement, the Grand Master Award from Science Fiction Writers of America, as well as an Emmy Award for his work as a writer on "The Halloween Tree" and many other singular honors.
Though he's no longer with us, make sure you think nice thoughts of him today.
When Kirk and company took a little "Shore Leave" during Star Trek's first season, little did they know that they were secretly at the whims of the mysterious planet's caretaker, a kindly gentleman played by Oliver McGowan. Though he's no longer with us, McGowan was born on this day in 1907. [Source: IMDB.com]
Throughout a career which spanned five decades, Lesley Woods managed to squeeze in a role or two in the realm of Science Fiction and Fantasy. Fans might recognize her from work aboard Battlestar Galactica (ABC), World War III (TV miniseries), and The Greatest American Hero. Though she's no longer with us, Woods was born on this day in 1910. [Source: IMDB.com]
Sultry Honor Blackman found mainstream success in the role of Bond girl Pussy Galore in 1964's seminal Goldfinger. Since then, she's continued to generate fan interest with work on such projects as The Avengers, Doctor Who (1986), and Cockneys Vs. Zombies (2012). Blackman was born on this day in 1925.
Amongst the man's many accomplishments in the world of entertainment, Douglas S. Cramer was a Paramount Pictures executive who had a small hand in producing a little something called Star Trek during its third and final season. Cramer was born on this day in 1931. [Source: Memory Alpha]
Hollywood producer Rick McCallum worked alongside the venerable George Lucas throughout the Star Wars Special Editions releases as well as all of the Prequel Trilogy. McCallum was born on this day in 1950. [Source: IMDB.com]
In 2004's The Chronicles of Riddick, Colm Feore (pictured) chewed scenery as the venomous Lord Marshal. The talented actor has also appeared in Battlestar Galactica (2006), WarGames: The Dead Code (2008), Revolution (2012), and The Amazing Spider-Man 2 (2014). Feore was born on this day in 1958.
Screen veteran Mark Williams booked a few appearances aboard the BBC's Doctor Who (pictured) in its 2012 season. Williams was born on this day in 1959.
For shame! Who would've guessed that such an affable-looking fellow as voice actor Stephen Stanton could bring to life the animated version of 'Grand Moff Tarkin' aboard both Star Wars: The Clone Wars and Star Wars Rebels? Stanton was born on this day in 1961. [Source: IMDB.com]
Andrew Wilson found himself trapped between a rock and a chronological hard place in 2017's Time Trap (aka Synkhole). Wilson was born on this day in 1964. [Source: IMDB.com]
Courtney Gains is one of those actors who has found stardom via small roles in many, many projects. He first dropped onto fandom's radar with a small role in 1985's Back to the Future, but he's since gone on to roles in such projects as Starman (1987), Superboy (1988), Tales from the Crypt (1993), Wing Commander III (1994), and Alien Encounter (2008). Gains was born on this day in 1965.
On ABC TV's seminal Lost program, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje played the mysterious Mr. Eko for all of twenty-eight episodes. The versatile actor has also appeared in G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra, Thor: The Dark World, and was seen (under much make-up) in the DC live action feature Suicide Squad (2016). Akinnuoye-Agbaje was born on this day in 1967.
Funnyman Ty Burrell provides perhaps the most relatable character for me in the ensemble at the heart of ABC's Modern Family, but he has tinkered in genre work, appearing as Leonard in 2008's The Incredible Hulk. He's also booked roles aboard Dawn of the Dead (2004) and The Super Hero Squad Show (2010 - 2011). Burrell was born on this day in 1967.
SciFi fans certainly know Alfred Gough's name. In fact, he's been involved with several of TV's better genre properties as of late: Smallville, The Shannara Chronicles, and Into The Badlands. Gough was born on this day in 1967. [Source: IMDB.com]
Know it or not, Richard Armitage is pretty huge in genre entertainment. Most fans will know him as Thorin from Peter Jackson's second trilogy in Middle Earth -- The Hobbit films -- but he's also been involved in Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace (with an uncredited role), the BBC's Robin Hood series (2006 - 2009), and even a brief appearance in 2011's Captain America: The First Avenger (pictured above). Armitage was born on this day in 1971.
No offense, but Kristen Wiig really ought to stick to comedies. I've seen her work in a few more quirky dramas, and I liked her in them quite a bit, but in The Martian (2015) it just seemed like she was always on the verge of cracking up. Meh. Wiig was born on this day in 1973.
Early in her career, blonde and sexy Melinda Page Hamilton gave fanboys something to get excited about with a role in Star Trek: Enterprise (pictured above at right). She's since gone on to plenty of work in more conventional dramas. Hamilton was born on this day in 1974.
Speaking of Lost, another of the popular program's latecomers, Paulo (as played by heartthrob Rodrigo Santoro), was not exactly what one might call a "fan favorite." In fact, if memory serves the character was killed off (along with another late arrival) due to the fact that fan outcry against them was so prominent on the web. Still, Santoro's star continues to rise, having gone on to work aboard 300: Rise of an Empire and the forthcoming HBO series Westworld. Santoro was born on this day in 1975.
James Corden had a few colorful appearances aboard the BBC's popular Doctor Who during Matt Smith's reign as the pivotal time traveler. Corden was born on this day in 1978.
The lovely Megan Duffy enjoyed a guest spot aboard Torchwood's Miracle Day series. She also had a role in the Fantasy/Horror hybrid Monsterland (2016). Duffy was born on this day in 1979. [Source: IMDB.com]
Dreamy Jennifer Finnigan hasn't made many appearances in Science Fiction, but she's young, lovely, and has plenty of time to squeeze in some quality work. She had a great recurring role aboard USA Network's The Dead Zone and continues to find characters in more mainstream fare. Finnigan was born on this day in 1979.
Ross Marquand is locked, loaded, and ready for hunting aboard AMC's uber-popular The Walking Dead. Marquand was born on this day in 1981. [Source: IMDB.com]
The lovely Jasmine Waltz continues to dabble in some smaller genre projects, including roles aboard Femme Fatales, Demon (2013), and Blade Of Honor. Waltz was born on this day in 1982. [Source: IMDB.com]
Newcomer Dakota Goyo has embraced some quality genre projects in a big way. In 2011, he had a great double-hitter, appearing in both Real Steel (pictured above) and Thor on the silver screen. In 2013, he starred in the SciFi horror flick Dark Skies. Goyo was born on this day in 1999.
On this day in 1979 (in France), the SciFi/Horror hybrid Prophecy sunk its mutated teeth into mankind. The feature starred Talia Shire and Robert Foxworth, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"A log company's waste mutates the environment, creating a giant killer bear-monster."
"A log company's waste mutates the environment, creating a giant killer bear-monster."
May the Force be with us! On this day in 1980 (in Finland), the original Star Wars enjoyed a rare theatrical re-release. The feature starred Mark Hamill and Carrie Fisher, and here's the plot summary provided by Amazon.com:
"Young farm boy Luke Skywalker is thrust into a galaxy of adventure when he intercepts a distress call from the captive Princess Leia. The event launches him on a daring mission to rescue her from the clutches of Darth Vader and the Evil Empire."
"Young farm boy Luke Skywalker is thrust into a galaxy of adventure when he intercepts a distress call from the captive Princess Leia. The event launches him on a daring mission to rescue her from the clutches of Darth Vader and the Evil Empire."
On this day in 1982, the SciFi/Telefilm 984: Prisoner Of The Future was broadcast. The feature starred Stephen Markle and Don Francks, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A corporate executive is taken prisoner by an underground organization known as The Movement, and is turned over to a ruthless interrogator."
"A corporate executive is taken prisoner by an underground organization known as The Movement, and is turned over to a ruthless interrogator."
On this day in 1982, the SciFi/Telefilm Andromeda Stories aired on the boob tube. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In the Andromeda galaxy there's a planet of a highly developed human civilization. The gentle Prince Itaka and another kingdom's beautiful Princess Lilia are about to enter a love-marriage and take over the throne, when they discover a strange object on the night sky. Later it lands on the planet, and an alien, mechanic civilization invades King Itaka's peaceful country making nearly everybody their slave. On a fateful night Queen Lilia gives birth to twins, and to avoid misfortune, the nanny Tarama takes one of the babies away, and entrusts it to the gladiator Balga. They still don't know, that the children were born with strong powers, and hold the key to the fight against the enemy that's searching to destroy every human civilization on the planet."
"In the Andromeda galaxy there's a planet of a highly developed human civilization. The gentle Prince Itaka and another kingdom's beautiful Princess Lilia are about to enter a love-marriage and take over the throne, when they discover a strange object on the night sky. Later it lands on the planet, and an alien, mechanic civilization invades King Itaka's peaceful country making nearly everybody their slave. On a fateful night Queen Lilia gives birth to twins, and to avoid misfortune, the nanny Tarama takes one of the babies away, and entrusts it to the gladiator Balga. They still don't know, that the children were born with strong powers, and hold the key to the fight against the enemy that's searching to destroy every human civilization on the planet."
On this day in 1985 (in Belgium), Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome enjoyed its theatrical release. The SciFi/Thriller starred Mel Gibson as Max himself, and here's the plot summary compliments of IMDB.com:
"After being exiled from the most advanced town in post apocalyptic Australia, a drifter travels with a group of abandoned children to rebel against the town's queen."
"After being exiled from the most advanced town in post apocalyptic Australia, a drifter travels with a group of abandoned children to rebel against the town's queen."
Dead End Drive-In reaps the benefit of being considered SciFi-lite essentially because it takes place chronologically just around the temporal corner in tomorrow. It opened on this day in 1986 and starred Ned Manning and Peter Whitford. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's what tomorrow brought us:
"In the near future, a teenage couple are trapped in a drive-in theater which has become a concentration camp for social outcasts. The inmates are treated to drugs, exploitation films, junk food, and new wave music."
"In the near future, a teenage couple are trapped in a drive-in theater which has become a concentration camp for social outcasts. The inmates are treated to drugs, exploitation films, junk food, and new wave music."
On this day in 1986, the SciFi/Comedy Night of the Creeps found a little daylight. The feature starred Jason Lively and Tom Atkins, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Alien brain parasites, entering humans through the mouth, turn their host into a killing zombie. Some teenagers start to fight against them."
"Alien brain parasites, entering humans through the mouth, turn their host into a killing zombie. Some teenagers start to fight against them."
- Still want to know more? Then check out the film's trailer as listed on YouTube.com right here.
On this day in 1988, some of the same talented technicians who brought you Ridley Scott's Alien (1979) now served up Invasion Earth: The Aliens Are Here, a SciFi/Comedy. The feature starred Janice Fabian and Christian Lee, and here's the plot summary that's been written up at IMDB.com:
"Insect-like aliens invade a small town. The local teenagers have been watching a sci-fi marathon in the local theater, and from those films they get ideas on how to fight the creatures."
"Insect-like aliens invade a small town. The local teenagers have been watching a sci-fi marathon in the local theater, and from those films they get ideas on how to fight the creatures."
On this day in 1990 (in Italy), Shocking Dark (aka Terminator II) opened in cinemas. The feature starred Christopher Ahrens and Haven Tyler, and here's the premise that's been provided via IMDB.com:
"In a polluted future Venice researchers work to improve the situation. One day, unknown forces start killing them. A team of soldiers and a couple of civilians is sent to investigate. Soon, they encounter strange murderous creatures."
"In a polluted future Venice researchers work to improve the situation. One day, unknown forces start killing them. A team of soldiers and a couple of civilians is sent to investigate. Soon, they encounter strange murderous creatures."
On this day in 1991, Trancers II brought the inimitable Jack Deth back as the ultimate 'Future Cop,' and this time he brought along Academy Award winning actress Helen Hunt for the adventure. According to our friends at the reliable IMDB.com, here's what all of the excitement was about for the sequel:
"It is Los Angeles, 1991. Jack Deth has become accustomed to life with his new wife, Lena, in the six years since they singed Whistler. Hap Ashby, a former pitcher for the California Angels, had gotten his life out of the gutter and made quite a fortune investing, which he uses to finance his collection of fire trucks, among other things. But life is about to become a little more difficult for Jack and the gang. Whistler's brother, E.D. Wardo, has gome back in time and has started a trancer farm under the organization known as GreenWorld. GreenWorld strives to 'clean up the world', but in reality they are kidnapping homeless people and mental patients to become 'tranced'. And they're after Hap, the ancestor of a future Council Member. Jack's quite ready to singe a few trancers, but he isn't expecting his dead wife to show up. Through the power of technology, Alice has been saved from death and sent back to 1991 to help Jack and stop Wardo. The tension mounts as Lena becomes more distraught by the thought of Jack leaving her for another woman, Hap slips back into his alcoholic habits to deal with the stress, and Jack realizes that when Alice returns to the future, she'll die the next day. But somehow, Jack'll find a way to fix everything. He always does."
"It is Los Angeles, 1991. Jack Deth has become accustomed to life with his new wife, Lena, in the six years since they singed Whistler. Hap Ashby, a former pitcher for the California Angels, had gotten his life out of the gutter and made quite a fortune investing, which he uses to finance his collection of fire trucks, among other things. But life is about to become a little more difficult for Jack and the gang. Whistler's brother, E.D. Wardo, has gome back in time and has started a trancer farm under the organization known as GreenWorld. GreenWorld strives to 'clean up the world', but in reality they are kidnapping homeless people and mental patients to become 'tranced'. And they're after Hap, the ancestor of a future Council Member. Jack's quite ready to singe a few trancers, but he isn't expecting his dead wife to show up. Through the power of technology, Alice has been saved from death and sent back to 1991 to help Jack and stop Wardo. The tension mounts as Lena becomes more distraught by the thought of Jack leaving her for another woman, Hap slips back into his alcoholic habits to deal with the stress, and Jack realizes that when Alice returns to the future, she'll die the next day. But somehow, Jack'll find a way to fix everything. He always does."
Disaster in space! On this day in 1998, Scorpio One gave a list of B-players the chance to 'investigate' the Final Frontier. The feature starred Robert Carradine and Jeff Speakman, and here's the premise provided by IMDB.com:
"A disaster on space station Scorpio One leaves all the crewmembers dead. The CIA sends one of its crack agents, Jared Stone into space with a team five elite Rangers to investigate."
"A disaster on space station Scorpio One leaves all the crewmembers dead. The CIA sends one of its crack agents, Jared Stone into space with a team five elite Rangers to investigate."
On this day in 2014 (in the United Kingdom), Shockwave Darkside delivered up SciFi/Adventure via the moon. The feature starred Bill Sage and Sonequa Martin-Green, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"It is the last, great war. Out of the wreckage of a troop transport, five soldiers on the way to battle find themselves stranded on the dark side of the moon. Cut off and behind enemy lines, they start a dangerous journey through snipers and minefields back to their home territory. As their numbers dwindle and nerves fray, they make an amazing discovery about the moon that just might save their lives."
"It is the last, great war. Out of the wreckage of a troop transport, five soldiers on the way to battle find themselves stranded on the dark side of the moon. Cut off and behind enemy lines, they start a dangerous journey through snipers and minefields back to their home territory. As their numbers dwindle and nerves fray, they make an amazing discovery about the moon that just might save their lives."
On this day in 1964, "A Change of Identity" aired as part of Doctor Who's first season. Here's the episode summary from IMDB.com:
"Susan and Barbara are rescued by Jules and Jean, two members of the escape chain, while the Doctor gains access to the prison by posing as a revolution official."
"Susan and Barbara are rescued by Jules and Jean, two members of the escape chain, while the Doctor gains access to the prison by posing as a revolution official."
On this day in 1997, Stargate: SG-1 aired "The First Commandment." This served as the fifth episode to the long-running program's first season, and here's the plot summary as detailed by IMDB.com:
"The SG-1 team is sent after the SG-9 team that has failed to return. They find that SG-9's captain, having been treated like a god by planetary inhabitants, is drunk with power and is tyrannizing them. Can they overcome him?"
"The SG-1 team is sent after the SG-9 team that has failed to return. They find that SG-9's captain, having been treated like a god by planetary inhabitants, is drunk with power and is tyrannizing them. Can they overcome him?"
On this day in 1999, GvsE (aka Good vs Evil) aired "Evilator." This served as the sixth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The Morlocks have invented a cloaking pill that will render then undetectable by Corps Agents. A deep undercover agent is sent in to find out more but her cover is blown. To attempt to rescue her, and discover what she has learnt, is tantamount to a suicide mission, so Decker and Ford choose Henry, Chandler and Esmerelda as the team to be cannon fodder."
"The Morlocks have invented a cloaking pill that will render then undetectable by Corps Agents. A deep undercover agent is sent in to find out more but her cover is blown. To attempt to rescue her, and discover what she has learnt, is tantamount to a suicide mission, so Decker and Ford choose Henry, Chandler and Esmerelda as the team to be cannon fodder."
On this day in 2003, Stargate: SG-1 aired "Evolution, Part 1." This served as the eleventh episode of the long-running program's seventh season, and here's the plot summary as detailed by IMDB.com:
"Bra'tac and Teal'c encounter a heavily armed enemy with shielding protecting him from Goa'uld weaponry who took out two Goa'uld's personal guards. They barely manage to defeat him and bring him back to SGC for study, but this new threat poses a greater problem for the Tau'ri."
"Bra'tac and Teal'c encounter a heavily armed enemy with shielding protecting him from Goa'uld weaponry who took out two Goa'uld's personal guards. They barely manage to defeat him and bring him back to SGC for study, but this new threat poses a greater problem for the Tau'ri."
On this day in 2011, Alphas aired "Catch and Release." This served as the seventh episode to the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The alpha team rescues an alpha from a group of hooded thugs, then discover she is a former associate of Dr. Rosen who wants nothing to do with him."
"The alpha team rescues an alpha from a group of hooded thugs, then discover she is a former associate of Dr. Rosen who wants nothing to do with him."
On this day in 2017, Somewhere Between aired "Madness." This served as the sixth episode in the program's only season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Nico and Laura learn the police are looking for them. Disguised, they go back to Spanish Harbor and learn the identity of one of the men in the tattoo photo, Jason Rydell -- though he's currently locked up in a psychiatric facility and impossible to reach. But Laura has a surprising contact within the institution, and manages to question Jason.... until she and Nico are attacked by military muscle. As they fight for their lives, Jason gives them a clue that leads to a shocking truth about who really killed Susanna."
"Nico and Laura learn the police are looking for them. Disguised, they go back to Spanish Harbor and learn the identity of one of the men in the tattoo photo, Jason Rydell -- though he's currently locked up in a psychiatric facility and impossible to reach. But Laura has a surprising contact within the institution, and manages to question Jason.... until she and Nico are attacked by military muscle. As they fight for their lives, Jason gives them a clue that leads to a shocking truth about who really killed Susanna."
