The late Don S. Davis had a presence that practically screamed "authority figure." I can remember first being attuned to what he could do in a role in the much revered cult TV series, Twin Peaks, in the 90's, but perhaps Davis was best known for coming into his own with the sci-fi-friendly Stargate: SG-1 series. As the venerable George Hammond, he managed the entire Stargate program until that show came to a conclusion. Though he's no longer with us, Davis was born on this day in 1942.
With an albeit brief appearance aboard Star Trek: The Next Generation (pictured above as Admiral Connaught Rossa from "Suddenly Human"), Barbara Townsend earned her stripes in the realm of Science Fiction. She also enjoyed guest-starring roles aboard Otherworld (1985), Knight Rider (1985), Annihilator (1986), and Quantum Leap (1991). Though she's no longer with us, Townsend was born on this day in 1913.
Unfortunately, sometimes my vast web searches are fruitless when it comes to obtaining pictures of some of the talented involved in the realm of SciFi from behind-the-scenes; such is the case with TV screenwriter Paul Schneider who definitely deserves a mention. In his years in the entertainment business, he completed scripts for such programs as the original Star Trek, Star Trek: The Animated Series, The Starlost, The Six Million Dollar Man, and Buck Rogers in the 25th Century. Though he's no longer with us, Schneider was born on this day in 1923.
Yes, it may've only lasted a few seconds ... but what a glorious few seconds it must've been to grace the silver screen as an uncredited extra aboard Stanley Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)? Maggie London will always have those few seconds, and thankfully they've been etched into screen history for all of us to enjoy as well. London -- born in London -- was born on this day in 1937. [Source: IMDB.com]
Screen veteran Martin Jarvis had the opportunity to play a small handful of different characters throughout the earlier incarnations of the BBC's long-running Doctor Who program (pictured above). The actor has also made appearances in Space: Above and Beyond, Space Island One, and Stargate: Atlantis. Jarvis was born on this day in 1941.
Richard Belzer took a day or two off from his epic starring run aboard NBC's long-running Law & Order franchise for an appearance aboard Fox TV's The X-Files. Belzer was born on this day in 1944.
With just twenty years in the acting business, William Frankfather manages to clock in an impressive 70 screen credits to his name. His debut was as the memorable Whitey Jackson in the 1978 romantic comedy Foul Play, and he quickly earned guest roles in such properties as The Greatest American Hero, Amazing Stories, The Twilight Zone, Alien Nation, The Adventures of Brisco County Jr., and Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. Though he's no longer with us, Frankfather was born on this day in 1944.
She was one of the first to face the truly original alien invasion when Tremors 4: The Legend Begins traveled back to the founding of Rejection Valley. As an actress, Sara Botsford has also enjoyed roles aboard Sliders, Total Recall 2070, and 2005's The Fog remake. Botsford was born on this day in 1951.
Sage Parker played 'Tyler,' one of the female OCP executives who kept checking in on the late Alex Murphy's transformation into the cyborg public servant aboard the original RoboCop (1987) for Orion Pictures. Parker was born on this day in 1955. [Source: IMDB.com]
Billy Bob Thornton made a bit of a splash when he starred as NASA specialist Dan Truman in 1998's disaster-flick Armageddon. He also starred in a little something called The Astronaut Farmer, but I've never seen it ... mostly because I hate the man's politics. Whatever. Thornton was born on this day in 1955.
Though she's probably remembered more for her star turn as the young Gretl in the musical classic The Sound of Music, Kym Karath did venture in Lost In Space for a guest star appearance. Karath was born on this day in 1958.
As a voice actress, Lauren Tom supplied the vocals to Amy Wong, one of the (ahem) more down-to-Earth characters in Matt Groening's SciFi comedy Futurama. Tom has also supplied vocals to such projects as Teen Titans, Justice League, and Teen Titans Go! Tom was born on this day in 1961.
I ask you: what man wouldn't want to be on the receiving end of a little 'good cop, bad cop' play with Fringe's Anna Torv? Well, maybe that would be where Sebastian Roché drew the line. In the character of Thomas Jerome Newton (pictured above right), Roché worked hard toward making Olivia Dunham's life hell. Roché was born on this day in 1964.
FX's popular The Strain might not be pure Science Fiction, but the horror show exploring a possible vampire apocalypse combines science in the realm of possibility so much so that it deserves mention in these corridors of the web. Author, screenwriter, and producer Chuck Hogan has helped Guillermo del Toro to bring the vision to small screen life, and we're thankful for his contributions to the program. Hogan was born on this day in 1967.
One might not know it at first glance, but Daniel Dae Kim has actually been a participant in several Sci-Fi franchises. Naturally, he's most known for ABC TV's Lost, but Kim has also had roles in The Pretender, Crusade, Star Trek: Voyager, Angel, Star Trek: Enterprise, and the TV mini-series remake of The Andromeda Strain. Kim was born on this day in 1968.
Wow, what a name! Fenella Woolgar had a brief flirtation aboard the BBC's Doctor Who in the role of no less than literary genius Agatha Christie. She's also done some voice acting for the SciFi video game, BioShock 2. Woolgar was born on this day in 1969.
Michael DeLuise was a welcome addition to the cast of SeaQuest DSV as well as its more sci-fi-friendly SeaQuest 2032. He's also made an appearance in the Stargate: SG-1 universe. Though his resume is light as of late, I for one would welcome his return into the fold. DeLuise was born on this day in 1969.
Kristin Richardson may not have had a wealth of genre appearances that fans have been able to cling to, but she's definitely had a few. You might recognize her from work in the realms of Charmed, Angel, Lost, Supernatural, and Harpies (2007). Richardson was born on this day in 1970. [Source: IMDB.com]
In 2013's Man of Steel, David Lewis (pictured above right) played Major Laramore, one of the military men fascinated by Superman's feats of strength. The versatile actor has also enjoyed a presence aboard The X-Files, Millennium, Lexx, The Outer Limits, Stargate: SG-1, Kyle XY, Eureka, Smallville, and Fringe. Lewis was born on this day in 1976.
California girl Meghan Markle impressed as a junior federal agent in a guest-starring role aboard Fox TV's stellar Fringe (pictured). Markle was born on this day in 1981.
Holy moly, Jennnifer Marshall's resume continues to grow! She launched a career as an actress in 2005, and she's managed to grow an incredible track record, some of which falls squarely into genre projects, the kind we fans enjoy. You might recognize her from appearances aboard Poseidon Rex (2013), Age Of Tomorrow (2014), Colony, Timeless, and Netflix's popular Stranger Things. Marshall was born on this day in 1981. [Source: IMDB.com]
Shama Sikander found a bit of fame and celebrity with her work in some steamy dramas and comedies in her native land. Thankfully, she made an appearance in the highly-rated Horror series Ssshhhh... Phir Koi Hai so that I can feature her here. Sikander was born on this day in 1981. [Source: IMDB.com]
The stunning Abigail Spencer played a small but critical role in 2011's tepid and uninspired Cowboys & Aliens. Thankfully, she followed that up in the realm of SciFi with a great leading role status aboard TV's Timeless. Spencer was born on this day in 1981.
The young David Kaye joined Jessica Alba for an outing of Fox TV's Dark Angel. The actor has also delivered roles aboard The Outer Limits, X-Men: Evolution (animated), He-Man and the Masters of the Universe (animated), Mobile Suit Gundam 00 (animated), and the CW's popular Arrow. Kaye was born on this day in 1988.
Though the bulk of her professional resume involves a whole lot of more conventional fare, Lucinda Dryzek dipped her toes into the realm of the extraordinary with a guest visit to The Twilight Zone for good measure. Dryzek was born on this day in 1991. [Source: IMDB.com]
Fans of the original SeaQuest DSV (and SeaQuest 2032) can tell you that there was more than a single DeLuise name attached to the cast, but did you know of the youngest? Young Riley DeLuise had the chance to appear as an infant in the episode titled "Daggers" from the program's second season. DeLuise was born on this day in 1993. [Source: IMDB.com]
On this day in 1960 (in the United Kingdom), The Lost World found itself in theaters. Directed by Irwin Allen, the Fantasy feature starred Michael Rennie, David Hedison, and Jill St. John; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Professor Challenger leads an expedition of scientists and adventurers to a remote plateau deep in the Amazonian jungle to verify his claim that dinosaurs still live there."
"Professor Challenger leads an expedition of scientists and adventurers to a remote plateau deep in the Amazonian jungle to verify his claim that dinosaurs still live there."
A star is born! On this day in 1967 (in Italy), Mission Stardust enjoyed its very first theatrical engagement. Directed by Primo Zeglio, the SciFi feature starred Lang Jeffries, Pinkas Braun, and Essy Persson; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A team of astronauts is sent to the moon to rescue an alien who is seeking help to save her dying race. They are attacked by a force of bandit robots and discover that enemy spies are out to kill the alien."
"A team of astronauts is sent to the moon to rescue an alien who is seeking help to save her dying race. They are attacked by a force of bandit robots and discover that enemy spies are out to kill the alien."
On this day in 1969 (in Denmark), 2001: A Space Odyssey enjoyed its theatrical release. Written (in part) and directed by Stanley Kubrick, the SciFi feature starred Keir Dullea, Gary Lockwood, and William Sylvester; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"After discovering a mysterious artifact buried beneath the Lunar surface, mankind sets off on a quest to find its origins with help from intelligent supercomputer H.A.L. 9000."
For the record:
Stanley Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey remains one of Science Fiction's benchmark motion pictures. At the 1969 Oscars, the film was nominated in the categories of 'Best Art Direction - Set Direction,' 'Best Writing, Story and Screenplay - Written Directly for the Screen,' 'Best Director,' and 'Best Effects, Special Visual Effects' ... but it only took home the trophy for Best Effects. Also in 1969, the film did take home the 'Best Dramatic Presentation' from the Hugo Awards.
"After discovering a mysterious artifact buried beneath the Lunar surface, mankind sets off on a quest to find its origins with help from intelligent supercomputer H.A.L. 9000."
For the record:
Stanley Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey remains one of Science Fiction's benchmark motion pictures. At the 1969 Oscars, the film was nominated in the categories of 'Best Art Direction - Set Direction,' 'Best Writing, Story and Screenplay - Written Directly for the Screen,' 'Best Director,' and 'Best Effects, Special Visual Effects' ... but it only took home the trophy for Best Effects. Also in 1969, the film did take home the 'Best Dramatic Presentation' from the Hugo Awards.
A star is born! Actor Denzel Washington has made a few quality stabs at Science Fiction. One of his earliest -- Virtuosity -- premiered theatrically on this day back in 1995. Directed by Brett Leonard, the film also starred Russell Crowe, Kelly Lynch, and William Forsythe. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A virtual-reality serial killer manages to escape into the real world."
"A virtual-reality serial killer manages to escape into the real world."
On this day in 1997 (in the U.S. and Canada), the Japanese anime Armitage III: Polymatrix enjoyed its release on home video. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A policeman, Ross Sylibus, is assigned to a unit on a Martian colony, to find that women are being murdered by a psychotic named D'anclaude. He is assigned a very unorthodox partner named Naomi Armitage, who seems to have links to the victims. To stir things up more, every victim is found to be an illegally made third-generation android, built to be almost perfect replications of humans. It becomes a race against time when the government attempts to cover up the existence of the 'Third Types', and eliminate the only ones with the evidence. And even more importantly, why are the Thirds created to be so similar to humans, even to the extent of being indistinguishable from them on every level, mentally and biologically?"
"A policeman, Ross Sylibus, is assigned to a unit on a Martian colony, to find that women are being murdered by a psychotic named D'anclaude. He is assigned a very unorthodox partner named Naomi Armitage, who seems to have links to the victims. To stir things up more, every victim is found to be an illegally made third-generation android, built to be almost perfect replications of humans. It becomes a race against time when the government attempts to cover up the existence of the 'Third Types', and eliminate the only ones with the evidence. And even more importantly, why are the Thirds created to be so similar to humans, even to the extent of being indistinguishable from them on every level, mentally and biologically?"
On this day in 1997 (in Germany), Dark Planet enjoyed its release in the home video marketplace. Directed by Albert Magnoli, the SciFi feature starred Paul Mercurio, Michael York, and Harley Jane Kozak; and there's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Two sides, one known as the Alphas and the other the Rebels, struggle in a brutal war on Earth and in outer space. When a habitable planet is discovered in orbit around a star that is on the far side of a dangerous wormhole, the two sides mysteriously set aside their differences and send a joint mission to explore the planet. The mission of the starship Scylla is soon beset by political intrigue and treachery, jeopardizing not only the mission, but the lives of the entire crew."
"Two sides, one known as the Alphas and the other the Rebels, struggle in a brutal war on Earth and in outer space. When a habitable planet is discovered in orbit around a star that is on the far side of a dangerous wormhole, the two sides mysteriously set aside their differences and send a joint mission to explore the planet. The mission of the starship Scylla is soon beset by political intrigue and treachery, jeopardizing not only the mission, but the lives of the entire crew."
On this day in 2011 (in South Korea), Super Hybrid started its engine and cruised into theaters. Directed by Eric Valette, the SciFi/Horror starred Alden Adair, Shane Bellegarde, and Shannon Beckner; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Late one night, a mysterious car is brought into the Chicago police impound garage after a deadly traffic accident. The on-call mechanics soon discover the car has a mind of its own. With hundreds of horsepower and two tons of reinforced steel at its command, it's a seemingly unstoppable killing machine capable of outrunning -- and outwitting -- humans."
"Late one night, a mysterious car is brought into the Chicago police impound garage after a deadly traffic accident. The on-call mechanics soon discover the car has a mind of its own. With hundreds of horsepower and two tons of reinforced steel at its command, it's a seemingly unstoppable killing machine capable of outrunning -- and outwitting -- humans."
On this day in 2014 (in Germany), Quarantine L.A. enjoyed its release in the home video market. Written and directed by Filip Maciejewicz, the Horror/SciFi starred Eugenia Kuzmina, Nina Kate, and Bo Linton; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A group of seven strangers try to survive and escape from isolated Los Angeles that has been infected by a strange, human changing virus."
"A group of seven strangers try to survive and escape from isolated Los Angeles that has been infected by a strange, human changing virus."
On this day in 2015, Black Box enjoyed its release in the U.S. home video marketplace. Written and directed by Matthew Schilling, the SciFi release starred Kevin Sorbo, Shelby Janes, and Brad Dourif; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Vastly different people collide as a mysterious black box shows the owner what he most desires, but payback comes in the form of an immortal assassin."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Black Box enjoyed a wee bit of praise while on the film festival circuit.
"Vastly different people collide as a mysterious black box shows the owner what he most desires, but payback comes in the form of an immortal assassin."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Black Box enjoyed a wee bit of praise while on the film festival circuit.
A star is born! On this day in 2017, Amelia 2.0 played for audiences in attendance of its premiere in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Directed by Adam Orton, the SciFi/Drama starred Kate Vernon, Ed Begley Jr., and Debra Wilson; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"When the husband of a dying woman is approached by a corporation pioneering a new program to extend life through robotics, they get caught in a public debate over human's relationship with technology."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Amelia 2.0 enjoyed a bit of praise on the film festival circuit.
"When the husband of a dying woman is approached by a corporation pioneering a new program to extend life through robotics, they get caught in a public debate over human's relationship with technology."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Amelia 2.0 enjoyed a bit of praise on the film festival circuit.
On this day in 1971 (in the United Kingdom), Ace Of Wands aired "Seven Serpents, Sulphur and Salt: Part 3." This served as the third episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary from TV.com:
"Tarot assembles the lost parchment and discerns the clues, but can he and his companions find the secret formula before Mr. Stabs?"
"Tarot assembles the lost parchment and discerns the clues, but can he and his companions find the secret formula before Mr. Stabs?"
On this day in 1976 (in the United Kingdom), Shadows aired "Time Out Of Mind." Officially, this served as the second episode in the program's second season; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Teen-ager Liz, unhappy at home, finds herself living in the past when she is magically transformed into a doll in an old Victorian doll house."
"Teen-ager Liz, unhappy at home, finds herself living in the past when she is magically transformed into a doll in an old Victorian doll house."
On this day in 1989 (in France), The Ray Bradbury Theater aired "The Pedestrian." Officially, this served as the fifth episode in the program's third season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In a totalitarian city, a rebel persuades his nervous friend to commit a subversive act: taking a walk with him around the neighborhood at night."
"In a totalitarian city, a rebel persuades his nervous friend to commit a subversive act: taking a walk with him around the neighborhood at night."
On this day in the year 2000, Farscape's "Look at the Princess" trilogy concluded with the airing of Part 3, "The Maltese Crichton." According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Crichton has been turned into a statue. Now someone has cut off his head, and everyone searches for it. Once it's reattached, he finds out he cannot be turned into a statue again, he wouldn't survive, but the Princess is having his child. Meanwhile Z'han tries to convince the builders that Moya is peaceful and should not be killed, failing that she tries to convince Moya not to kill herself."
"Crichton has been turned into a statue. Now someone has cut off his head, and everyone searches for it. Once it's reattached, he finds out he cannot be turned into a statue again, he wouldn't survive, but the Princess is having his child. Meanwhile Z'han tries to convince the builders that Moya is peaceful and should not be killed, failing that she tries to convince Moya not to kill herself."
On this day in 2000, Stargate: SG-1 aired "Window Of Opportunity." Officially, this served as the sixth episode in the program's fourth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Col. O'Neill and Teal'c realize they and their friends are trapped in a time loop."
"Col. O'Neill and Teal'c realize they and their friends are trapped in a time loop."
On this day in 2001 (in Australia), Cybergirl aired the third episode in its only season on broadcast television. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Being almost completely blue does not help Cybergirl to blend in, so a change of clothes is in order. However, will this change of appearance stop Xanda and Isaac from recognizing her?"
"Being almost completely blue does not help Cybergirl to blend in, so a change of clothes is in order. However, will this change of appearance stop Xanda and Isaac from recognizing her?"
On this day in 2003, Firefly aired "Heart Of Gold." Officially, this served as the twelfth episode in the program's only season on television, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A Companion-trained friend of Inara's who runs a brothel on a remote planet calls for help from Serenity when a local reveals his intentions to take the baby from a woman he impregnated."
"A Companion-trained friend of Inara's who runs a brothel on a remote planet calls for help from Serenity when a local reveals his intentions to take the baby from a woman he impregnated."
On this day in 2004 (in Canada), The Collector aired "The Children's Book Writer." Officially, this served as the tenth episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Morgan is overwhelmed by visions of death while trying to help a children's book writer save his soul."
"Morgan is overwhelmed by visions of death while trying to help a children's book writer save his soul."
On this day in 2006, Stargate: Atlantis aired "Sateda." This served as the fourth episode of the program's third season, and here's the plot summary as detailed by IMDB.com:
"After a group of people captures and gives Ronon to the Wraith, he becomes a runner again, but this time he's left in his home planet, Sateda, where the Stargate has been disabled."
"After a group of people captures and gives Ronon to the Wraith, he becomes a runner again, but this time he's left in his home planet, Sateda, where the Stargate has been disabled."
On this day in 2006, the action heated up on an episode of Stargate: SG-1. The fourth episode of its tenth (and final) season, "Insiders" pitted the crew against some pretty diabolical forces. Here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"The SGC-base is approached by an al-kesh glider which lets itself be taken down, so they can capture Ba'al, who offers to exchange the necessary information to find Merlin's weapon for human help to eliminate his clones, which want to kill him. They mistrust his story, as does NIS-agent Malcolm Barrett, who however fails to take over the investigation. Since the captive might actually be a clone, several missions to different planets retrieve and capture all clones, but which is the real Ba'al, and what are his true intentions?"
"The SGC-base is approached by an al-kesh glider which lets itself be taken down, so they can capture Ba'al, who offers to exchange the necessary information to find Merlin's weapon for human help to eliminate his clones, which want to kill him. They mistrust his story, as does NIS-agent Malcolm Barrett, who however fails to take over the investigation. Since the captive might actually be a clone, several missions to different planets retrieve and capture all clones, but which is the real Ba'al, and what are his true intentions?"
It all began right here: on this day in 2007, Fallen premiered with the airing of "The Time Of The Redeemer." According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Now that Aaron has discovered his true identity, his journey continues as he struggles to understand what it all means."
"Now that Aaron has discovered his true identity, his journey continues as he struggles to understand what it all means."
On this day in 2007, Fallen followed up its premiere episode with the airing of "Mysterious Ways And All That." According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In order to rescue Vilma, Aaron will have to use so much power that he will draw attention to his location and The Powers will be able to easily find them."
"In order to rescue Vilma, Aaron will have to use so much power that he will draw attention to his location and The Powers will be able to easily find them."
The second season of Syfy's Continuum came to a close on this day in 2013 with an hour curiously titled "Second Time." According to IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In a scene from the future, older Alec is aware of Liber8's plot and enlists the help of someone who is now living in the past. In the present Alec, devastated by Emily's death, visits Escher and makes it clear that he holds him responsible for her death. Eschur reveals his relationship to Alec. Kiera learns of Emily's death and contacts Alec but Inspector Dillon tracks her down and she is placed under arrest. Carlos puts everything on the line to free her. Carlos is investigating Emily's death and suspects it may be the same group responsible for stealing the corpses from the morgue. Kellog again has to convince Travis and Sonya that Eschur is a major threat. The role of the Freelancers is revealed."
"In a scene from the future, older Alec is aware of Liber8's plot and enlists the help of someone who is now living in the past. In the present Alec, devastated by Emily's death, visits Escher and makes it clear that he holds him responsible for her death. Eschur reveals his relationship to Alec. Kiera learns of Emily's death and contacts Alec but Inspector Dillon tracks her down and she is placed under arrest. Carlos puts everything on the line to free her. Carlos is investigating Emily's death and suspects it may be the same group responsible for stealing the corpses from the morgue. Kellog again has to convince Travis and Sonya that Eschur is a major threat. The role of the Freelancers is revealed."
On this day in 2013, TNT's Falling Skies aired "Brazil." This served as the tenth episode of the program's third season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"When the 2nd mass destroys a crucial Espheni base, a relentless enemy is taken down and the Mason family is reunited with those who had been lost."
"When the 2nd mass destroys a crucial Espheni base, a relentless enemy is taken down and the Mason family is reunited with those who had been lost."
On this day in 2015, Zoo aired "This Is What It Sounds Like." This served as the sixth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Abraham works to save Chloe and Mitch from a drug lord; Jackson and Jamie continue to work with Agent Shaffer in search of Evan Lee Hartley and the Mother Cell after Leo is killed in the crash."
"Abraham works to save Chloe and Mitch from a drug lord; Jackson and Jamie continue to work with Agent Shaffer in search of Evan Lee Hartley and the Mother Cell after Leo is killed in the crash."
