When it came to Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace, Ray Park had a tough job. He was cast to play the (sadly) one-off villain, Darth Maul, against Jedi veteran Qui Gon Jinn (Liam Neeson). Fortunately, he at least got to kill Neeson's character ... before he was hacked in half by Qui Gon's apprentice, Obi Wan Kenobi. Still, Park did the best he could with the material provided by Lucas, and no one should forget that menacing scowl of his in the years ahead. Mr. Park was born on this day back in 1974.
I realize that Xanadu (1980) isn't the kind of film most folks come to my site daily to hear about, but I'll be honest: I love Olivia Newton-John and I love ELO, so I must give a shout-out to one of the film's star -- cinema legend Gene Kelly -- who was born on this day in 1912. [Source: IMDB.com]
The great Peter Wyngarde certainly left his mark on the world of Science Fiction with such roles aboard One Step Beyond, Out Of This World, Flash Gordon (1980), and Doctor Who. Though he's no longer with us, Wyngarde was born on this day in 1927. [Source: IMDB.com]
Vera Miles has talent and beauty like few others in the glory days of Hollywood. Though she's probably best remembered for her appearance aboard Alfred Hitchcock's Psycho, genre fans enjoyed her work in Science Fiction Theatre, The Twilight Zone, The Unknown (1964), The Outer Limits, Journey to the Unknown, Buck Rogers in the 25th Century, and BrainWaves (1982). Miles was born on this day in 1929. [Source: IMDB.com]
Actor and voiceover artist Ronald Falk helped to bring to life the character of 'Dexter Jettster' aboard Star Wars: Episode II - Attack Of The Clones (2002). Though he's no longer with us, Falk was born on this day in 1935. [Source: IMDB.com]
Though she's far more well known for bringing to sexy life Jeannie on the comedy TV classic I Dream Of Jeannie, Barbara Eden played a role in the original Irwin Allen motion picture Voyage To The Bottom Of The Sea (1961). Eden was born on this day in 1939.
The original Jurassic Park featured a lot of truly gifted actors in some small but critical roles. One such talent was Bob Peck, who brought to life dinosaur wrangler Robert Muldoon. Though he's no longer with us, Peck was born on this day in 1945.
Comedienne Shelley Long lent her ability to make people laugh to a guest spot aboard Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman during that program's run. Long was born on this day in 1949. [Source: IMDB.com]
Ah, what could've been, my friends! Thinking back on the original Battlestar Galactica, I find it chilling that it was the death of Lieutenant Zac -- Commander Adama's son and brother of Apollo -- that basically set the entire "Saga Of A Star World" in motion. For those who missed it, Zac (above left) was played by Rick Springfield. The actor also enjoyed guest spots aboard The Six Million Dollar Man, Wonder Woman, and The Incredible Hulk. Springfield was born on this day in 1949.
In the first season Buck Rogers in the 25th Century episode "Planet of the Slave Girls," Michael Mullins played Regis Saroyan, the young heir to a galactic fortune who was also training to be a star pilot for the Earth. He also had roles aboard cult favorites Ark II and Tales of the Gold Monkey. Mullins was born on this day in 1951.
Standing an impressive six feet ten inches tall, Nigerian born actor Bolaji Badejo was extra what director Ridley Scott needed under the costume as the seminal Alien from his film of the same name. Though he's no longer with us, Badejo was born on this day in 1953.
No doubt fans of 70's and 80's television will recognize Jennifer Holmes' lovely face. During those decades alone, she enjoyed appearances on such genre staples as The Incredible Hulk, Voyagers, Knight Rider, and Misfits Of Science. Holmes was born on this day in 1955. [Source: IMDB.com]
Chris Potter has left a mark on several genre-related projects, both as a live actor as well as related voicework. He's been involved with War of the Worlds (1988), the X-Men video games, the X-Men animated series, The Outer Limits (1999), Arachnid (2001), Andromeda (2003), and the TV miniseries Superstorm. Potter was born on this day in 1960.
Composer Alexandre Desplat has penned scores for such genre projects as Rise Of The Guardians (2012), Godzilla (2014), The Shape Of Water (2017), and Valerian And The City Of A Thousand Planets (2017). Desplat was born on this day in 1961. [Source: IMDB.com]
Hunky Deron McBee lent his considerable brawn to the role of 'Doran' for the Fantasy film Time Barbarians (1990). McBee was born on this day in 1961. [Source: IMDB.com]
Actor Ed Gale had the daunting challenge of trying to breathe life into the lifeless Howard The Duck (1986). (George Lucas, what were you thinking?!) Gale persevered after Howard's failure, securing work aboard Spaceballs (1987), Bill & Ted's Bogus Journey (1991), Land of the Lost (1990's), Lifepod (1993), Weird Science, and Fairie (2002). Gale was born on this day in 1963. [Source: IMDB.com]
As a young man, Charley Boorman had some big shoes to fill (as Mordred) aboard Excalibur (1981), the Arthurian legend adapted for the silver screen by Charley's father, John Boorman. Boorman was born on this day in 1966. [Source: IMDB.com]
Funnyman Jay Mohr joined funnyman Eddie Murphy in the box office dud The Adventures of Pluto Nash (2002). Mohr was born on this day in 1970. [Source: IMDB.com]
In his youth, River Phoenix joined Ethan Hawke in 1985's Joe Dante directed Explorers. A few years later, the actor played a young version of a famed archaeologist in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. Though he's no longer with us, Phoenix was born on this day in 1970.
Aaron Douglas signed aboard Battlestar Galactica never really knowing what the fate of his character -- Chief Galen Tyrol -- would be. Then again, I don't think anyone on the writing staff knew either as it appeared as the show wore on that they were making it all up as they went. But Douglas's portrayal of the blue-collar working stiff aboard the Galactica's crew gave the show much of its heart. Mr. Douglas was born on this day back in 1971.
When he was a boy, young Joey Cramer got to do onscreen what every young SciFi fan dreams about: he got to pilot an alien spacecraft! Granted, it was all theatrical, seeing as how it was part of the plot of Walt Disney's Flight of the Navigator, but that made it no less cool. Cramer was born on this day in 1973.
Director Lexi Alexander is no stranger to genre projects. Not only did she bring Punisher: War Zone (2008) to the silver screen but also she went on to direct episodes of Arrow, Supergirl, and the short-lived TV incarnation of Limitless. Alexander was born on this day in 1974. [Source: IMDB.com]
The fetching young lass in costume (above right) is none other than self-professed Star Wars nerd Clare Grant. For those who know Team Unicorn, she remains a member in good standing. She's done voice work for Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Robot Chicken, Hulk and Agents of S.M.A.S.H., and Marvels Avengers Assemble. Grant was born on this day in 1979.
The lovely Joanne Froggatt hasn't done much by way of Fantasy, but a terrific role as 'Ruth Tyler' aboard the BBC original Life On Mars is good enough for my records. Froggatt was born on this day in 1980. [Source: IMDB.com]
The very pretty Annie Ilonzeh enjoyed a recurring role aboard early episodes of The CW's long-running Arrow. Ilonzeh was born on this day in 1983. [Source: IMDB.com]
In the guise of 'Officer Boyd,' the fetching Kristine Cofsky served and protected the SciFi and Fantasy world of Travelers for its run. She's also paid visits to the universes of Primeval: New World and Fox TV's short-lived Almost Human. Cofsky was born on this day in 1983. [Source: IMDB.com]
English-born Ruta Gedmintas is heating up the small screen as part of the ensemble fighting against the impending vampire apocalyspe on FX's The Strain. Gedmintas was born on this day in 1983.
Kim Matula faced fears somewhat 'jurassic' with her work aboard Raptor Ranch (2013) for Nu Imagination. Matula was born on this day in 1988. [Source: IMDB.com]
The delightful Jessica Lee Keller enjoyed a bit of screen time aboard the SciFi/Thriller The Adjustment Bureau (2011) for Universal Pictures. Keller was born on this day in 1990. [Source: IMDB.com]
Adult Film actress August Ames gave her fans something 'Fantasy' to think about with roles aboard such porn parodies as Deadpool XXX, Beauty And The Beast XXX, and Justice League XXX. Though she's no longer with us, Ames was born on this day in 1994. [Source: IMDB.com]
[NOTE: Sadly, August struggled with online bullying and took her own life. So if you or someone you know is contemplating suicide, please share the number for the National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255. It's never too late to save a life.]
[NOTE: Sadly, August struggled with online bullying and took her own life. So if you or someone you know is contemplating suicide, please share the number for the National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255. It's never too late to save a life.]
The fresh-faced Alana Mansour traveled to the future and the past with her work aboard Fox TV's short-lived Terra Nova. Mansour was born on this day in 2003. [Source: IMDB.com]
On this day in 1965 (in the United Kingdom), Dr. Who And The Daleks brought Who action to the silver screen. The feature starred Peter Cushing as the Time Lord from Gallifrey, and here's the premise from IMDB.com:
"An eccentric inventor and his companions travel in his TARDIS to the Planet Skaro and battle the evil menace of the Daleks."
"An eccentric inventor and his companions travel in his TARDIS to the Planet Skaro and battle the evil menace of the Daleks."
On this day in 1974 (in West Germany), SciFi turned sexy with the release of 2069: A Sex Odyssey. This Adult-themed SciFi/Comedy starred Nina Frederik and Catharina Conti, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Five sexy females from the planet Venus are sent to Earth to bring back sperm samples to their planet, which is dying out because there are no men left on it. After the land they find that it's not all that difficult persuading Earthmen to help them in their quest."
"Five sexy females from the planet Venus are sent to Earth to bring back sperm samples to their planet, which is dying out because there are no men left on it. After the land they find that it's not all that difficult persuading Earthmen to help them in their quest."
- Those interested are encouraged to check out SciFiHistory.Net's screencaps of the film right here.
On this day in 1977 (in the Philippines), the original Star Wars enjoyed its theatrical debut. The film starred Mark Hamill and Harrison Ford, and here's the premise as listed on IMDB.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 1985, Godzilla 1985 premiered theatrically. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Thirty years after the original monster's rampage, a new Godzilla emerges and attacks Japan."
"Thirty years after the original monster's rampage, a new Godzilla emerges and attacks Japan."
On this day in 1987, the SciFi/Telefilm The Man Who Fell To Earth revisited the spaceman's story via the Boob Tube. The feature starred Lewis Smith and Robert Picardo, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"An alien lands on earth, and decides that he needs to take a job in order to raise money to build a spaceship so he can get back to his home planet."
"An alien lands on earth, and decides that he needs to take a job in order to raise money to build a spaceship so he can get back to his home planet."
On this day in 1996, yet another version of The Island of Dr. Moreau premiered theatrically. This one starred Val Kilmer and Marlon Brando, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"After being rescued and brought to an island, a man discovers that it's inhabitants are experimental animals being turned into strange looking humans, all of it the work of a visionary doctor."
"After being rescued and brought to an island, a man discovers that it's inhabitants are experimental animals being turned into strange looking humans, all of it the work of a visionary doctor."
On this day in 2002, S1m0ne (aka Simone) gave Al Pacino a rare appearance in the realm of Science Fiction. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A producer's film is endangered when his star walks off, so he decides to digitally create an actress to substitute for the star, becoming an overnight sensation that everyone thinks is a real person."
"A producer's film is endangered when his star walks off, so he decides to digitally create an actress to substitute for the star, becoming an overnight sensation that everyone thinks is a real person."
On this day in 2013 (at the Black Harvest Film Festival), Destination Planet Negro launched as a SciFi/Comedy. The feature starred Tosin Morohunfola and Danielle Cooper, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"In 1939, African American leaders respond to Jim Crow segregation by building a rocket to colonize Mars. The three person crew blasts off, but time travel instead, arriving in present-day America revealing much about race today."
"In 1939, African American leaders respond to Jim Crow segregation by building a rocket to colonize Mars. The three person crew blasts off, but time travel instead, arriving in present-day America revealing much about race today."
On this day in 1972, Ace Of Wands aired "The Power Of Atep: Part 3." This served as the sixth episode in the program's third (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A strange dream about Egypt, shared by Tarot and Mikki, and a powerful voice at a séance, lead Tarot and friends to the tomb of Atep in Egypt's Valley of the Kings. There Tarot confronts his former stage partner and double. Quabal."
"A strange dream about Egypt, shared by Tarot and Mikki, and a powerful voice at a séance, lead Tarot and friends to the tomb of Atep in Egypt's Valley of the Kings. There Tarot confronts his former stage partner and double. Quabal."
On this day in 1976 (in the Netherlands), Doctor Who aired "The Seeds Of Doom: Part 4." Officially, this served as the twenty-fourth episode in the program's thirteenth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Sarah is saved from a Krynoid fate and runs off, but the same can't be said for one of Chase's men. Not only is he simultaneously devoured and transformed, his fascinated employer will do all he can to encourage the process. The Doctor gets introduced to Chase's grinder and compost acceleration chamber, which promises him a painful yet swift death en route to making him one with nature, via the garden's nutrient pump. The situation has finally gone too far for Dunbar, who outs his own involvement in this matter and stands up to Chase, only to come face to face with a fully developed Krynoid."
"Sarah is saved from a Krynoid fate and runs off, but the same can't be said for one of Chase's men. Not only is he simultaneously devoured and transformed, his fascinated employer will do all he can to encourage the process. The Doctor gets introduced to Chase's grinder and compost acceleration chamber, which promises him a painful yet swift death en route to making him one with nature, via the garden's nutrient pump. The situation has finally gone too far for Dunbar, who outs his own involvement in this matter and stands up to Chase, only to come face to face with a fully developed Krynoid."
On this day in 2002, Stargate: SG-1 aired "Prometheus." This served as the eleventh episode of the long-running program's sixth season, and here's the plot summary as detailed by IMDB.com:
"A television news crew has unearthed information about an Air Force project called "Prometheus". They believe it to be a generator, but know it uses Trinium, an element not found on Earth. In order to keep them quiet the Air Force allows them to film the X-303, a spaceship based on Asgard technologies, otherwise known as Prometheus. Things turn south when the news crew arm themselves and hold the Prometheus, as well as Sam and Jonas, hostage."
"A television news crew has unearthed information about an Air Force project called "Prometheus". They believe it to be a generator, but know it uses Trinium, an element not found on Earth. In order to keep them quiet the Air Force allows them to film the X-303, a spaceship based on Asgard technologies, otherwise known as Prometheus. Things turn south when the news crew arm themselves and hold the Prometheus, as well as Sam and Jonas, hostage."
On this day in 2002, Farscape aired "Unrealized Reality." This served as the eleventh episode of the program's fourth season, and here's the plot summary as detailed by IMDB.com:
"Crichton finds a wormhole, and studies with interest in his space suit, and gets pulled inside. He meets Einstein, and exposes Crichton to different realities to showcase the full potential of wormholes. Crichton realizes even his limited knowledge of wormholes is dangerous."
"Crichton finds a wormhole, and studies with interest in his space suit, and gets pulled inside. He meets Einstein, and exposes Crichton to different realities to showcase the full potential of wormholes. Crichton realizes even his limited knowledge of wormholes is dangerous."
On this day in 2003, the mildly revamped Starhunter aired "Bio Crime." This was the third episode of the second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by our friends at TVGuide.com:
"The crew finds evidence of genetic tampering, resulting in horrible mutations, committed in an effort to please those with money and aberrant taste."
"The crew finds evidence of genetic tampering, resulting in horrible mutations, committed in an effort to please those with money and aberrant taste."
On this day in 2009, Defying Gravity aired "Rubicon." This served as the fifth episode of the program's only season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"The Antares and the crew approach their Rubicon - the point of no return at which they can longer return to Earth without first going all the way to Venus. Donner is tasked with ensuring all systems are nominal but is having difficulty with one particular system. He finds the problem, but it leaves Ted wondering just how he did it. Ted tells the crew that they are all to put an item of personal value into a time capsule and several have difficulty parting with the items they have selected. In flashbacks we continue to follow the crew through training and they receive their first performance report. Zoe still hasn't decided what to do about her pregnancy but is considering her options. An unexpected visit from her mother doesn't make her life any less complicated."
"The Antares and the crew approach their Rubicon - the point of no return at which they can longer return to Earth without first going all the way to Venus. Donner is tasked with ensuring all systems are nominal but is having difficulty with one particular system. He finds the problem, but it leaves Ted wondering just how he did it. Ted tells the crew that they are all to put an item of personal value into a time capsule and several have difficulty parting with the items they have selected. In flashbacks we continue to follow the crew through training and they receive their first performance report. Zoe still hasn't decided what to do about her pregnancy but is considering her options. An unexpected visit from her mother doesn't make her life any less complicated."
On this day in 2014, audiences were introduced to yet another regeneration of the seemingly immortal Doctor Who with the airing of the eighth season opener, "Deep Breath." According to IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"When the newly-regenerated doctor arrives in Victorian London, he finds a dinosaur rampant in the Thames and a spate of deadly spontaneous combustions."
"When the newly-regenerated doctor arrives in Victorian London, he finds a dinosaur rampant in the Thames and a spate of deadly spontaneous combustions."
On this day in 2015, Falling Skies aired "Reunion." This served as the ninth episode of the program's fifth (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as detailed by IMDB.com:
"Tom gains a powerful new weapon against the Espheni. Ben puts his life on the line to extract enemy plans. Pope discovers that Tom is alive, and launches a final attack. Meanwhile, the 2nd Mass must reassess their situation when an unexpected visitor appears."
"Tom gains a powerful new weapon against the Espheni. Ben puts his life on the line to extract enemy plans. Pope discovers that Tom is alive, and launches a final attack. Meanwhile, the 2nd Mass must reassess their situation when an unexpected visitor appears."
