Sure, Samuel L. Jackson was fortunate enough to realize one of his lifelong dreams when George Lucas cast him to play Jedi Master Mace Windu in the Star Wars Prequel Trilogy, but -- I ask you -- what did it really get him? Jackson had already made a name for himself in the movie industry, largely for his portrayal of some very emotionally driven if not verbally abusive over-the-top characters ... why in the world would he seriously want to play a Jedi Knight? What we learned from the Prequel Trilogy is that these Masters are all composed, always on their best behavior (except Anakin, that is), almost always acting as if they're under the effects of a sleeping pill or something. How do you put Samuel L. Jackson in a movie and not let him let loose? I don't mean to nitpick ... I just mean to point out that I expected something a bit different.
In any event, Happy Birthday wishes go out to Mr. Jackson. He was born on this day in 1948.
In any event, Happy Birthday wishes go out to Mr. Jackson. He was born on this day in 1948.
Rudy Solari played the angry Salish in "The Paradise Syndrome," a third season adventure of Star Trek. Though he's no longer with us, Solari was born on this day in 1934.
Truth be told, I don't care for Jane Fonda's politics -- don't care much for her body of work, either -- but when she's decked out the way she was in Barbarella I thankfully didn't have to much listen. Fonda was born on this day in 1937.
Gary Downey played the Tellarite inmate (above right) aboard "Whom Gods Destroy," a third season episode of the classic Star Trek. Though he's no longer with us, Downey was born on this day in 1938.
Genre great Jared Martin never gets enough love (so far as I'm concerned). In the days of my youth, this talented guy showed up all over the place, and I'm thrilled that he played a lead aboard the late 1980's War of the World series so that I can highlight him in this space. He's also had roles in Night Gallery, Westworld (1973), The Fantastic Journey, Logan's Run, The Six Million Dollar Man, Project U.F.O., Wonder Woman, The Incredible Hulk, Tales of the Gold Monkey, New Gladiators (1984), Knight Rider, Airwolf, and many other more conventional programs. Though he's no longer with us, Martin was born on this day in 1941. [Source: IMDB.com]
Never one to shy away from some less-than-conventional projects, character actor Jack Nance took a role aboard the David Lynch-directed adaptation of Dune (1984). Though he's no longer with us, Nance was born on this day in 1943.
She may've been crowned Miss Teen Italy at the ripe young age of fourteen, but SciFi fans know Fabiana Udenio best as Adira Tyree, one of Lando's many loves on the cult favorite Babylon 5. Udenio was born on this day in 1964.
In the late summer of 1985, young Danielle von Zerneck played the lovable but nerdy Ellie Sawyer in the SciFi-themed My Science Project. Van Zerneck was born on this day in 1965.
When he's not augmenting his own reality with chemical substances best left unexplored, Andy Dick can be a talented actor. Exhibit A: his appearance on Star Trek: Voyager as EMH-2 Dr. Bradley. Dick was born on this day in 1965.
The delicious Michelle Hurd (above center) apparently has an on-again/off-again affair with genre entertainment. Though much of her resume is more conventional work, since launching a career in 1989 she's still managed to book screen time in Justice League of America (1997), Beyond Belief: Fact or Fiction, Terminator 3: Redemption (video game), Charmed, FlashForward, Jessica Jones, Daredevil, and Ash vs. Evil Dead. Hurd was born on this day in 1966.
There was a time wherein Kiefer Sutherland couldn't quite garner A-List projects like Fox TV's 24 or ABC TV's Designated Survivor, but he still garnered positive attention in anything he committed to. In fact, he played a bit 'creepier than usual' aboard the SciFi/Cult flick, Dark City (1998). Sutherland was born on this day in 1966.
Actress Khrystyne Haje has done voice work on The Zeta Project as well as making appearances in such SciFi B-movies as Cyborg 3: The Recycler, Stepsister from Planet Weird, and Scanner Cop 2. Haje was born on this day in 1968.
Critical darling Julie Delpy slummed with the regular actors and actresses in 2015 when she took a role aboard Marvel's Avengers: Age of Ultron. Delpy was born on this day in 1969.
Jack Noseworthy braved the final frontier that was Event Horizon (1997), a SciFi-themed look at galaxy-spanning evil. Noseworthy was born on this day in 1969.
Colombe Jacobsen-Derstine (above right) brought her special level of quirk to a small role aboard Men In Black II (2002). Jacobsen-Derstine was born on this day in 1977.
Not long after hanging up her -- erm -- fangs from HBO's True Blood, the lovely Rutina Wesley joined NBC's Hannibal and then the CW's Arrow for guest roles. Wesley was born on this day in 1979.
Whether she intends it or not, Eve Mauro has certainly established herself as a 'go-to-actress' for B-Movie properties. She's been seen in Torchwood, Osombie (2012), Zombies Vs. Strippers (2012), Big Bad Bugs (2012), SAGA: Curse of the Shadow (2013), Stormageddon (2015), and Cyborg X (2016). Mauro was born on this day in 1981.
The character of 'Paul Jesus Rovia' has been one of the better additions to the growing cast of AMC's Apocalypse drama The Walking Dead, and that's largely owed to actor Tom Payne's work in the role. Payne was born on this day in 1982. [Source: IMDB.com]
Popular The Walking Dead star Steven Yeun provided voicework for 2016's Voltron animated series for DreamWorks Animation, a program that aired on Netflix. Yeun was born on this day in 1983.
Fresh-faced Cynthia Murrell dipping her feet dangerously into SciFi waters with an appearance aboard The Sand (2015), a modern age creature feature. Murrell was born on this day in 1984.
On this day in 1961 (in Australia), Walt Disney's The Absent Minded Professor enjoyed its theatrical release. Directed by Robert Stevenson, the SciFi/Comedy starred Fred MacMurray and Nancy Olson, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A bumbling professor accidently invents flying rubber, or "Flubber", an incredible material that gains energy every time it strikes a hard surface. It allows for the invention of shoes that can allow jumps of amazing heights and enables a modified Model-T to fly. Unfortunately, no one is interested in the material except for Alonzo Hawk, a corrupt businessman who wants to steal the material for himself."
"A bumbling professor accidently invents flying rubber, or "Flubber", an incredible material that gains energy every time it strikes a hard surface. It allows for the invention of shoes that can allow jumps of amazing heights and enables a modified Model-T to fly. Unfortunately, no one is interested in the material except for Alonzo Hawk, a corrupt businessman who wants to steal the material for himself."
A star is born! On this day in 1979, the kid-friendly SciFi flick better known as C.H.O.M.P.S. enjoyed its theatrical premiere. The feature starred Wesley Eure and Valerine Bertinelli, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"A young man invents a robot dog that has super strength, x-ray vision and can detect crimes being committed. A greedy businessman tries to steal the invention from him."
"A young man invents a robot dog that has super strength, x-ray vision and can detect crimes being committed. A greedy businessman tries to steal the invention from him."
On this day in 1979, Disney's The Black Hole was released to theatres! This was the Mouse House's attempt to tap into that whole Star Wars' phenomenon begun by George Lucas in 1977. The chief complaint I had was that it was far too kid-friendly, having a old-timey robot voiced by veteran screen actor Slim Pickens (of all things!). Ugh. Ugh, indeed. It had a few nice moments, but there wasn't enough to launch any franchise. Still, forces are at work talking about a reboot, and maybe they could get it right the second time around. Stranger things have happened.
On this day in 1979 (in West Germany), The Crazies turned up the craziness for theatres. Written and directed by George A. Romero, the SciFi/Horror starred Lane Carroll and Will MacMillan, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The military attempts to contain a manmade combat virus that causes death and permanent insanity in those infected, as it overtakes a small Pennsylvania town."
"The military attempts to contain a manmade combat virus that causes death and permanent insanity in those infected, as it overtakes a small Pennsylvania town."
On this day in 1980 (in Denmark), The Final Countdown posed a devastating 'what if' as it pertains to world history. Directed by Don Taylor, the film starred Kirk Douglas and Martin Sheen, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In 1980, the assistant of the Department of Defense Warren Lasky is assigned by his mysterious chief Richard Tideman to visit the aircraft carrier USS Nimtz commanded by Capt. Matthew Yelland as an observer of the routines. Lasky finds that Wing Commander Richard T. Owens has a great knowledge of history. Out of the blue, the vessel faces a weird storm and they find that they have traveled back in time to the eve of the attack of Pearl Harbor on 06 December 1941. When the two Japanese Zeros attack the motorboat of Senator Samuel Chapman, the crew of the Nimitz rescues the senator and his assistant Laurel Scott. But sooner Lasky learns that the senator had disappeared on that day and Capt. Matthew Yelland is planning to attack the Japanese. Will these actions create a time paradox?"
"In 1980, the assistant of the Department of Defense Warren Lasky is assigned by his mysterious chief Richard Tideman to visit the aircraft carrier USS Nimtz commanded by Capt. Matthew Yelland as an observer of the routines. Lasky finds that Wing Commander Richard T. Owens has a great knowledge of history. Out of the blue, the vessel faces a weird storm and they find that they have traveled back in time to the eve of the attack of Pearl Harbor on 06 December 1941. When the two Japanese Zeros attack the motorboat of Senator Samuel Chapman, the crew of the Nimitz rescues the senator and his assistant Laurel Scott. But sooner Lasky learns that the senator had disappeared on that day and Capt. Matthew Yelland is planning to attack the Japanese. Will these actions create a time paradox?"
On this day in 1984 (in Portugal), Memoirs Of A Survivor took another look into mankind's somewhat bleak future. Written and directed by David Gladwell, the SciFi/Drama starred Julie Christie and Christopher Guard, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"'D' is a chronicler of a society in chaos, who looks down on the marauding gangs, and rubbish-strewn streets from the fortress prison of her flat. Buffeted by inner dreams and longings, D finds an alternative world by stepping through the wall of her flat, like Alice through the Looking Glass. Here it is Victorian England, the bosom of an unsettled family, harbingers, perhaps, of the decay to come. She flits between the two sides of her double life, always observing, never participating, and watches as her protégé, Emily, becomes involved with vagrants' leader Gerald and their efforts to control the violent scavengers fail."
"'D' is a chronicler of a society in chaos, who looks down on the marauding gangs, and rubbish-strewn streets from the fortress prison of her flat. Buffeted by inner dreams and longings, D finds an alternative world by stepping through the wall of her flat, like Alice through the Looking Glass. Here it is Victorian England, the bosom of an unsettled family, harbingers, perhaps, of the decay to come. She flits between the two sides of her double life, always observing, never participating, and watches as her protégé, Emily, becomes involved with vagrants' leader Gerald and their efforts to control the violent scavengers fail."
On this day in 1987 (in Spain), Spaceballs served up laughs by way of Science Fiction parody. Written and directed by Mel Brooks, the flick starred Bill Pullman, Daphne Zuniga, and John Candy, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A rogue star pilot and his trusty sidekick must come to the rescue of a Princess and save the galaxy from a ruthless race of beings known as Spaceballs."
"A rogue star pilot and his trusty sidekick must come to the rescue of a Princess and save the galaxy from a ruthless race of beings known as Spaceballs."
On this day in 1990 (in Japan), Hyper Sapien: People From Another Star enjoyed its release on home video. Directed by Peter R. Hunt, the film starred Dennis Holahan and Sydney Penny, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Three aliens from the planet Taros land on Earth and are befriended by a Wyoming rancher's son."
"Three aliens from the planet Taros land on Earth and are befriended by a Wyoming rancher's son."
A star is born! On this day in 1990, the direct-to-video release known as Space Chase found life on video store shelves. (What's a video store? Ask your parents, kids. Or maybe your grandparents.) The film starred Gary Bergman and Bryan Clark, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"To rule the galaxy an evil dictator kidnaps a scientist together with his invention which will provide limitless energy for his robots."
"To rule the galaxy an evil dictator kidnaps a scientist together with his invention which will provide limitless energy for his robots."
On this day in 1994 (in Spain), Timecop traveled across the eras in search of SciFi justice. Directed by Peter Hyams, the film starred Jean-Claude Van Damme and Mia Sara, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Max Walker, an officer for a security agency that regulates time travel, must fend for his life against a shady politician who's intent on changing the past to control the future."
"Max Walker, an officer for a security agency that regulates time travel, must fend for his life against a shady politician who's intent on changing the past to control the future."
On this day in 2004, Dream Warrior enjoyed its release to the U.S. home video market. Written and directed by Zachary Weintraub, the SciFi film starred Daniel Goddard and Lance Henriksen, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In an apocalyptic future, the wake of a lethal meteor strike, normal civilization has been reduced to ashes, with the people that remain left terrified by the existence of super-powered mutants. Human leader Parish a man with extra-human powers goes on the run as he wants to hunt down and kill the mutants in order to preserve the genetic purity of the normal survivors; he's particularly obsessed with murdering Rage, the mutants' commander."
"In an apocalyptic future, the wake of a lethal meteor strike, normal civilization has been reduced to ashes, with the people that remain left terrified by the existence of super-powered mutants. Human leader Parish a man with extra-human powers goes on the run as he wants to hunt down and kill the mutants in order to preserve the genetic purity of the normal survivors; he's particularly obsessed with murdering Rage, the mutants' commander."
A star is born! On this day in 2010, the colossal monster movie Mega Shark Vs. Crocosaurus sprang to bold, bold life. The feature starred Gary Stretch and Jaleel White, and here's the plot summary provided by IMDB.com:
"A megalodon battles with a crocosaurus causing massive destruction. The US Army has to try and destroy the havoc creating monsters."
"A megalodon battles with a crocosaurus causing massive destruction. The US Army has to try and destroy the havoc creating monsters."
On this day in 2016, Passengers enjoyed its U.S. theatrical premiere. Directed by Morten Tyldum, the SciFi/Romance starred Chris Pratt and Jennifer Lawrence, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A spacecraft traveling to a distant colony planet and transporting thousands of people has a malfunction in its sleep chambers. As a result, two passengers are awakened 90 years early."
"A spacecraft traveling to a distant colony planet and transporting thousands of people has a malfunction in its sleep chambers. As a result, two passengers are awakened 90 years early."
On this day in 2018, Netflix's Bird Box enjoyed its worldwide release via the internet. Directed by Susanne Bier, the SciFi/Horror starred Sandra Bullock and John Malkovich, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In the wake of an unknown global terror, a mother must find the strength to flee with her children down a treacherous river in search of safety. Due to unseen deadly forces, the perilous journey must be made blindly."
"In the wake of an unknown global terror, a mother must find the strength to flee with her children down a treacherous river in search of safety. Due to unseen deadly forces, the perilous journey must be made blindly."
William Hartnell and his small screen friends journeyed to "The Dead Planet" on this day in 1963, back during Doctor Who's first awe-inspiring season. This was only the beginning of those dastardly Daleks the good Doctor would deal so much with over his various incarnations.
On this day in 1964, Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea aired "Long Live the King." This served as the fifteenth episode to the program's first season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"The assassination of a king means Prince Ang receives an early promotion. The new king is just a boy, and has a lot to learn about ruling. In fact, he has a lot to learn about everything. He has advisers, but one of them may be trying to kill him, to finish off the royal line. Nelson and Seaview must get the prince back home so he may take the throne and prevent a coup from leaving an unfriendly government in power. Fortunately, a mysterious sailor, Old John, appears along their way and helps the young prince. But exactly who is Old John?"
"The assassination of a king means Prince Ang receives an early promotion. The new king is just a boy, and has a lot to learn about ruling. In fact, he has a lot to learn about everything. He has advisers, but one of them may be trying to kill him, to finish off the royal line. Nelson and Seaview must get the prince back home so he may take the throne and prevent a coup from leaving an unfriendly government in power. Fortunately, a mysterious sailor, Old John, appears along their way and helps the young prince. But exactly who is Old John?"
On this day in 1966, Irwin Allen's Lost In Space aired "The Dream Monster." This served as the fourteenth episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as cited on IMDB.com:
"Doctor Smith agrees to give away the emotions of the Robinsons to an alien looking for some in exchange for a trip home."
"Doctor Smith agrees to give away the emotions of the Robinsons to an alien looking for some in exchange for a trip home."
On this day in 1969, Irwin Allen's Land Of The Giants aired "Home Sweet Home." This served as the fourteenth episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as listed on IMDB.com:
"Steve and Fitzhugh attempt to return to Earth in a spacepod, but travel back in time to the year 1900 where the local villagers decide they are being attacked by warlocks."
"Steve and Fitzhugh attempt to return to Earth in a spacepod, but travel back in time to the year 1900 where the local villagers decide they are being attacked by warlocks."
On this day in 1974, Land Of The Lost aired "Hurricane." This served as the sixteenth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary that's been provided by IMDB.com:
"While fooling with a pylon, Will opens a time door that brings an astronaut and a hurricane to the Land of the Lost."
"While fooling with a pylon, Will opens a time door that brings an astronaut and a hurricane to the Land of the Lost."
It all came down to this: on this day in 1974, Partridge Family 2200 A.D. aired "Let's All Stick Together." This served as the sixteenth and final episode of the program's final season, and here's the summary from the Partridge Family 2200 A.D. online website:
"While helping with the housecleaning, Danny unknowingly disposes of a priceless antique entrusted to Shirley for safekeeping. When it is returned broken, the whole family becomes stuck together by a new super-glue formula."
"While helping with the housecleaning, Danny unknowingly disposes of a priceless antique entrusted to Shirley for safekeeping. When it is returned broken, the whole family becomes stuck together by a new super-glue formula."
It all came down to this: on this day in 1981, "Blake" aired as the thirteenth episode of Blakes 7's fourth (and final) season. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's how it all ended:
"Orac has pinpointed Blake's location and reveals to Avon and the crew of Scorpio that he is on the lawless planet Gauda Prime, where Blake has given up fighting against the Federation and is now a bounty hunter. But the crew of the Scorpio suspect Blake has betrayed them and has sold out to the Federation."
"Orac has pinpointed Blake's location and reveals to Avon and the crew of Scorpio that he is on the lawless planet Gauda Prime, where Blake has given up fighting against the Federation and is now a bounty hunter. But the crew of the Scorpio suspect Blake has betrayed them and has sold out to the Federation."
Even a program like V got into the 'holiday' act when the aired "Reflections in Terror" on this day in 1984. Here's the summary from IMDB.com:
"With a blood sample from the "star-child," Diana creates an uncontrollable and deadly clone which seeks out Elizabeth; Bates tests Julie's loyalty when he suspects she is sympathetic to the Resistance whose headquarters he is preparing to destroy."
"With a blood sample from the "star-child," Diana creates an uncontrollable and deadly clone which seeks out Elizabeth; Bates tests Julie's loyalty when he suspects she is sympathetic to the Resistance whose headquarters he is preparing to destroy."
On this day in 1990, Quantum Leap aired a very special holiday episode of their show. "A Little Miracle" saw Sam and his holographic partner Al joining forces to stop some rich Scrooge-like millionaire from tearing down a mission.
On this day in 1997 (in Hungary), Star Trek aired "Charlie X." Officially, this served as the second episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Captain Kirk must learn the limits to the power of a 17-year-old boy with the psychic ability to create anything and destroy anyone."
"Captain Kirk must learn the limits to the power of a 17-year-old boy with the psychic ability to create anything and destroy anyone."
On this day in 2002, Mobile Suit Gundam Seed aired "Flay's Decision." This served as the twelfth episode of the program's only season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A war is under way between genetically enhanced Coordinators and unmodified Naturals."
"A war is under way between genetically enhanced Coordinators and unmodified Naturals."
A young Observer remained mute, and Olivia and the rebels need the assistance of Nina Sharp in order to set things right. This episode of Fringe was titled, "Anomaly XB-6783746," and it first aired on this day in 2012.
On this day in 2013, Spooksville aired "The Dark Corner." Officially, this served as the eleventh episode in the program's only season on television, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A spell to reunite Adam with his mom instead transports the kids into a parallel Spooksville in another realm, where zombies and Ninja reign."
"A spell to reunite Adam with his mom instead transports the kids into a parallel Spooksville in another realm, where zombies and Ninja reign."
