The lovely Estella Warren played the role of "Daena" in Tim Burton's remake (reboot?) of Planet of the Apes (2001). She did what she could with the part, essentially showing up as a kind of prehistoric eye candy. Ms. Warren was born on this day in 1978.
Screen veteran James Gregory acting in nearly 200 different roles in his lifetime of work, but my guess is that SciFi fans remember him best for an appearance on the classic Star Trek ("Dagger of the Mind") as well as playing Ursus in Beneath the Planet of the Apes (1970). Though he's no longer with us, Gregory was born on this day in 1911.
Anton Leader was a director who worked almost exclusively in television, bringing to life episodes of such classic programs as The Twilight Zone, Lost In Space, Tarzan, Star Trek, and Get Smart. Though he's no longer with us, Leader was born on this day in 1913. [Source: IMDB.com]
Jean Brooks enjoyed some uncredited exposure as a secret female henchwoman to no less than Ming the Merciless aboard Flash Gordon Conquers The Universe (1940). Though she's no longer with us, Brooks was born on this day in 1915. [Source: IMDB.com]
One of the last films Kumar Pallana (above left) had the good fortune to appear in was aboard 2011's critically acclaimed Another Earth from Fox Searchlight. Though he's no longer with us, Pallana was born on this day in 1918. [Source: IMDB.com]
Veteran character actor Gerald S. O'Loughlin played 'Police Captain E. G. Boyd' aboard the SciFi/Cult TV series, Automan, back in the 1983-1984 season. Though he's no longer with us, O'Loughlin was born on this day in 1921.
London-born actress Heather Downham braved the Final Frontier in the role as a stewardess aboard Stanley Kubrick's SciFi/Classic 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968) for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. Downham was born on this day in 1936. [Source: IMDB.com]
Director Peter Medak has a long and storied association with the world of genre entertainment. He's contributed to such projects as Space:1999, The Changeling (1980), Cosmic Princess (1982), The Twilight Zone, Faerie Tale Theatre, Beauty And The Beast, Tales From The Crypt, Kindred: The Embraced, Species II (1998), and HBO's Carnivale. Medak was born on this day in 1937. [Source: IMDB.com]
I kid you not: the delightful Harry Shearer's first professional gig (according to IMDB.com) was as the 'uncredited boy' aboard Abbott and Costello Go To Mars (1953). Shearer was born on this day in 1943. [Source: IMDB.com]
Where ElectraWoman directed, DynaGirl followed! The lovely Judy Strangis joined Deidre Hall in the 70's cult Superhero series, ElectraWoman and DynaGirl for Sid & Marty Krofft Television Productions. Strangis was born on this day in 1949.
The lovely Cheryl Howard hasn't appeared in all that many releases. To be honest, it looks like she shows up in background roles aboard her hubby Ron Howard's flicks. Howard was born on this day in 1953. [Source: IMDB.com]
As an actor and stuntman, Dan Shea has certainly stepped into many, many realms familiar to genre fans. He's had the good fortune to serve such projects as The X-Files, Seven Days, The Outer Limits, Andromeda, Stargate: SG-1, Sanctuary, Smallvile, and X-Men: Days Of Future Past among many others. Shea was born on this day in 1954. [Source: IMDB.com]
Throughout his career, Stefan Arngrim has built an impressive resume in some quality genre projects. Fans are familiar with his work in Land of the Giants, The X-Files, Viper, Millennium, Seven Days, Earthsea, Battlestar Galactica: Razor, Flash Gordon, V, Caprica, Fringe, Arrow, and TV's Minority Report. Arngrim was born on this day in 1955.
While still looking as sexy and sultry as ever, Joan Severance still managed to kick butt and take names in the guise of Black Scorpion (1995). Severance was born on this day in 1958.
Jennifer Van Dyck has filled in supporting roles for such properties as Fox TV's Fringe and CBS's SciFi-lite Person Of Interest in her pursuits. Van Dyck was born on this day in 1962. [Source: IMDB.com]
Voice actor Jess Harnell maintains a resume with well over three hundred different screen credits. Fans might know him best from work aboard Transformers, the Skylanders video game franchise, and Elena of Avalor. Harnell was born on this day in 1963. [Source: IMDB.com]
Early in her acting career, the young Martha Byrne played the title character aboard 1983's Anna To The Infinite Power, a cautionary SciFi/Drama about duplicate identities in the world at large. Byrne was born on this day in 1969.
One should expect the lovely Noel Thurman to show up where she's expected least. As far as genre properties go, she's been privileged to serve the likes of TV's The Invisible Man, Transmorphers (2007), Universal Soldiers (2007), Supercroc (2007), The Witches of OZ (TV miniseries), and Dorothy and The Witches Of Oz (2012). Thurman was born on this day in 1969. [Source: IMDB.com]
Regular readers know that I'm no fan of the wider Harry Potter universe, but I do love the fact that the franchise has brought a countless number of new fans to the world of genre entertainment. In any event, Nick Moran made a splash in the flicks by playing the character named 'Scabior.' Moran was born on this day in 1969. [Source: IMDB.com]
The late Corey Haim certainly left behind a legacy full of B-Movie goodness, including a starring role in Watchers (1988), the tale of a young boy and his intelligent, genetically-enhanced canine. Though he's no longer with us, Haim was born on this day in 1971.
Inga Leps has dabbled in one short project after another, several of which fall into the realm of Fantasy (such as 2015's ZF461, a cautionary tale about cloning). Leps was born on this day in 1984. [Source: IMDB.com]
The delightful Alison Sudol shone brightly in the role of 'Queenie' for Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them (2016). Sudol was born on this day in 1984. [Source: IMDB.com]
The lovely Noël Wells dipped her toes into the wide, wide world of Star Trek with a voice role in the (forthcoming) animated project Star Trek: Lower Decks. Wells was born on this day in 1986. [Source: IMDB.com]
The lovely Sofia Black-D'Elia brought her winning smile and girl-next-door charm to Project Almanac (2015), a clever time travel yarn focused on a group of teenagers. Black-D'Elia was born on this day in 1991. [Source: Google.com]
It would seem that some Fantasies never go out of style: on this day in 1947, Beauty And The Beast warmed the hearts of audiences. The feature starred Jean Marais and Josette Day, and here's the premise as listed on IMDB.com:
"A beautiful young woman takes her father's place as the prisoner of a mysterious beast, who wishes to marry her."
"A beautiful young woman takes her father's place as the prisoner of a mysterious beast, who wishes to marry her."
On this day in 1952 (in the great nation of Spain), the original Science Fiction classic The Day The Earth Stood Still enjoyed its theatrical premiere. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"An alien lands and tells the people of Earth that they must live peacefully or be destroyed as a danger to other planets."
"An alien lands and tells the people of Earth that they must live peacefully or be destroyed as a danger to other planets."
On this day in 1953 (in the great nation of France), the original Science Fiction classic The War Of The Worlds enjoyed its theatrical premiere. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A small town in California is attacked by Martians, beginning a worldwide invasion."
"A small town in California is attacked by Martians, beginning a worldwide invasion."
On this day in 1958, The 7th Voyage Of Sinbad sailed into theatres. The feature starred Kerwin Mathews and Kathryn Grant, and here's the plot summary listed on IMDB.com:
"When a princess is shrunken by an evil wizard, Sinbad must undertake a quest to an island of monsters to cure her and prevent a war."
"When a princess is shrunken by an evil wizard, Sinbad must undertake a quest to an island of monsters to cure her and prevent a war."
A star is born! On this day in 1964 (in the great nation of Italy), the SciFi/Comedy The Flying Saucer premiered. The feature starred Alberto Sordi and Monica Vitti, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"An exasperated police inspector receives different eyewitness accounts surrounding a downed saucer and its female occupant."
"An exasperated police inspector receives different eyewitness accounts surrounding a downed saucer and its female occupant."
On this day in 1976 (in Italy), Logan's Run took off running ... at the box office, that is. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A police officer in the future uncovers the deadly secret behind a society that worships youth."
"A police officer in the future uncovers the deadly secret behind a society that worships youth."
On this day in 1977 (in the great nation of Mexico), the original Star Wars enjoyed its theatrical premiere. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Luke Skywalker joins forces with a Jedi Knight, a cocky pilot, a Wookiee and two droids to save the galaxy from the Empire's world-destroying battle-station while also attempting to rescue Princess Leia from the evil Darth Vader."
"Luke Skywalker joins forces with a Jedi Knight, a cocky pilot, a Wookiee and two droids to save the galaxy from the Empire's world-destroying battle-station while also attempting to rescue Princess Leia from the evil Darth Vader."
A star is born! On this day in 1977 (in Italy), the incredible behemoth -- Yeti: Giant Of The 20th Century -- enjoyed its first theatrical engagement ever! Written (in part) and directed by Gianfranco Parolini, the monster movie starred Antonella Interlenghi, Mimmo Crao, and Jim Sullivan; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Professor Wassermann is asked by industry magnate Morgan Hunnicut to lead an expedition to study the giant Yeti creature found frozen in a large ice block."
"Professor Wassermann is asked by industry magnate Morgan Hunnicut to lead an expedition to study the giant Yeti creature found frozen in a large ice block."
On this day in 1992 (in Italy), Jackpot (aka Cyber Eden) premiered theatrically. The feature starred Adriano Celentano and Kate Vernon, and here's the plot summary as listed on IMDB.com:
"Gloria Ruckhauser has a dream: rediscovering the figure and features of herself when she was 20. Convinced that science is getting nowhere in the search for a cure to the aging process, Gloria sets up a foundation whose mission is to find a miracle potion. Various scientists take up the challenge and develop a substance that reverses the biological clock. Now, they face a new challenge. How to stop getting younger before it's too late."
"Gloria Ruckhauser has a dream: rediscovering the figure and features of herself when she was 20. Convinced that science is getting nowhere in the search for a cure to the aging process, Gloria sets up a foundation whose mission is to find a miracle potion. Various scientists take up the challenge and develop a substance that reverses the biological clock. Now, they face a new challenge. How to stop getting younger before it's too late."
On this day in 1992, the SciFi/Action film Prototype found its way into our collective consciousness. The feature starred Lane Lenhart and Brenda Swanson, and here's the plot summary listed on IMDB.com:
"In a post-apocolyptic Los Angeles, a wheelchair bound veteren volunteers for an experimental cybergenic program that wil allow him to walk again only to find that it turns him into a lethal killing machine pre-programmed to kill the last remaining member of the resestance - the woman he loves."
"In a post-apocolyptic Los Angeles, a wheelchair bound veteren volunteers for an experimental cybergenic program that wil allow him to walk again only to find that it turns him into a lethal killing machine pre-programmed to kill the last remaining member of the resestance - the woman he loves."
On this day in 1994 (in Japan), Natural Selection (aka Dark Reflection) enjoyed its release on home video. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Software programmer Ben Braden has it all: beautiful wife, cute kid, dream house, sports car, great job. Then one day the doorbell rings and he finds himself standing eye to eye with Alex Connelly, every inch his double and hell-bent on getting Ben's material features as well..."
"Software programmer Ben Braden has it all: beautiful wife, cute kid, dream house, sports car, great job. Then one day the doorbell rings and he finds himself standing eye to eye with Alex Connelly, every inch his double and hell-bent on getting Ben's material features as well..."
On this day in 1994 (in Austria), Timecop shot back in time to save the future for us all. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"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 1995 (in Japan), the Enterprise-B flew into the Nexus when Star Trek: Generations soared onto the silver screen. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"With the help of long presumed dead Captain Kirk, Captain Picard must stop a deranged scientist willing to murder on a planetary scale in order to enter a space matrix."
"With the help of long presumed dead Captain Kirk, Captain Picard must stop a deranged scientist willing to murder on a planetary scale in order to enter a space matrix."
A star is born! On this day in 1996 (in Germany), Nemesis 4: Death Angel enjoyed its home video debut. Written (in part) and directed by Albert Pyun, the SciFi/Actioner starred Blanka Copikova, Andrew Divoff, and Michael Gucik; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Alex shoots again. She has to kill a man, but shoots the wrong one. A high ransom is set on her, so she is visited by some head hunters. Well, she only could sit and wait and hope for a friend's help."
"Alex shoots again. She has to kill a man, but shoots the wrong one. A high ransom is set on her, so she is visited by some head hunters. Well, she only could sit and wait and hope for a friend's help."
A star is born! On this day in 1996 (in Russia), Sci-fighters enjoyed its original release on home video. Directed by Peter Svatek from a script by Mark Sevi, the SciFi/Thriller starred Roddy Piper, Jayne Heitmeyer, and Billy Drago; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Boston, 2009. A police detective searches for Adrian Dunn, his ex-partner who murdered his wife. Dunn has escaped from prison on the moon and returned to Earth with an alien virus."
"Boston, 2009. A police detective searches for Adrian Dunn, his ex-partner who murdered his wife. Dunn has escaped from prison on the moon and returned to Earth with an alien virus."
A star is born! On this day in 1999 (in Canada), Galaxy Quest roared onto the silver screen in its first theatrical engagement. Directed by Dean Parisot from a script by David Howard and Robert Gordon, the SciFi/Comedy starred Tim Allen, Sigourney Weaver, and Alan Rickman. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The alumni cast of a space opera television series have to play their roles as the real thing when an alien race needs their help. However, they also have to defend both Earth and the alien race from a reptilian warlord."
For the record:
Galaxy Quest was a particular wondrous accomplishment, winning over audiences and critics alike throughout its worldwide theatrical run.
"The alumni cast of a space opera television series have to play their roles as the real thing when an alien race needs their help. However, they also have to defend both Earth and the alien race from a reptilian warlord."
For the record:
Galaxy Quest was a particular wondrous accomplishment, winning over audiences and critics alike throughout its worldwide theatrical run.
- At the 2000 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), the flick scored actor Tim Allen the trophy in the category of 'Best Actor.' Alas, the picture had to settle for the honor of a nomination alone in the categories of 'Best Performance By A Younger Actor/Actress,' 'Best Supporting Actor,' 'Best Actress,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
- In 2001, the Science Fiction And Fantasy Writers Of America honored Galaxy Quest with the 'Best Script' Nebula Award.
- At the 2000 Hugo Awards, the film took home the coveted 'Best Dramatic Presentation' Award.
On this day in 2008, the Horror/SciFi hybrid Pulse 3 first found life on home video. The feature starred Noureen DeWulf and Rider Strong, and here's the premise provided by the people at IMDB.com:
"A restless girl embarks on a journey back to a city populated by the dead in search of a mysterious internet lover."
"A restless girl embarks on a journey back to a city populated by the dead in search of a mysterious internet lover."
On this day in 1959, Men Into Space aired "Christmas on the Moon." This served as the twelfth episode of the program's only season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"McCauley and two astronomers are on the Moon on Christmas day, and one of them is stricken with appendicitis."
"McCauley and two astronomers are on the Moon on Christmas day, and one of them is stricken with appendicitis."
TV legend Art Carney starred in a very special holiday-themed episode of The Twilight Zone that first aired on this day in 1960. Here's the summary of "The Night of the Meek" from IMDB.com:
"After a derelict Santa Claus is fired on Christmas Eve, he finds a mysterious bag that gives out presents. With this bag he sets out to fulfill his one wish - to see the less fortunate inherit the bounties of Christmas."
"After a derelict Santa Claus is fired on Christmas Eve, he finds a mysterious bag that gives out presents. With this bag he sets out to fulfill his one wish - to see the less fortunate inherit the bounties of Christmas."
On this day in 1963 (in the United Kingdom), Fireball XL5 aired "Flying Zodiac." Officially, this served as the ninth episode in the program's only season in original broadcast existence, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"While Steve recalls his family circus days, Venus dreams of a circus show, where Steve would perform as a trapeze artist. However, the Space Spys Griselda and Boris, dressed as performers, are plotting to kill Colonel Zodiac and let invade a clan of Space Gypsies into Space City..."
"While Steve recalls his family circus days, Venus dreams of a circus show, where Steve would perform as a trapeze artist. However, the Space Spys Griselda and Boris, dressed as performers, are plotting to kill Colonel Zodiac and let invade a clan of Space Gypsies into Space City..."
On this day in 1965, Gerry Anderson's Thunderbirds aired "Vault Of Death." Officially, this served as the thirteenth episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Parker is challenged to break into the vaults of the Bank Of London. When he succeeds the bank decides to upgrade the alarm system. Unfortunately one of the bank employees is trapped after the upgrade and International Rescue are called to help. Parker does all he can to slow the operation down thinking he is protecting a former safe cracking rival."
"Parker is challenged to break into the vaults of the Bank Of London. When he succeeds the bank decides to upgrade the alarm system. Unfortunately one of the bank employees is trapped after the upgrade and International Rescue are called to help. Parker does all he can to slow the operation down thinking he is protecting a former safe cracking rival."
On this day in 1966, The Time Tunnel finds our two time traveling agents at odds with one another. "Invasion" puts the men in Germany only two days before D-Day (aka the invasion of Normandy) with Doug being captured and reprogrammed by Nazi scientists to kill his partner, Tony!
On this day in 1978, Jason Of Star Command aired "The Victory Of Star Command." Officially, this served as the sixteenth episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"With Jason a captive aboard his spaceship, Dragos commences his final assault upon the space academy. Jason once again manages to escape and, having dispatched all the guards confronts his enemy man to man."
"With Jason a captive aboard his spaceship, Dragos commences his final assault upon the space academy. Jason once again manages to escape and, having dispatched all the guards confronts his enemy man to man."
On this day in 1984 (in the United Kingdom), Terrahawks aired "The Midas Touch." Officially, this served as the third episode in the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The world's gold reserves, stored at Fort Knox, attract the attention of Zelda and her friends. Realising that it would cause economic disaster if she could destroy it, she sends the monstrous Knell to Earth."
"The world's gold reserves, stored at Fort Knox, attract the attention of Zelda and her friends. Realising that it would cause economic disaster if she could destroy it, she sends the monstrous Knell to Earth."
On this day in 1998, First Wave aired "Undesirables." Officially, this served as the sixteenth episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Gua assassin Joshua is sent to eliminate a Gua human sympathizer, Foster is searching for a scientist too and unaware that their paths will cross once again."
"Gua assassin Joshua is sent to eliminate a Gua human sympathizer, Foster is searching for a scientist too and unaware that their paths will cross once again."
On this day in 2001 (in Japan), Cyborg 009 aired "Eve Mirage." Officially, this served as the eleventh episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"While in Paris for Christmas, Cyborg 003 is injected with a drug that sends her into a dream world where past and present collide."
"While in Paris for Christmas, Cyborg 003 is injected with a drug that sends her into a dream world where past and present collide."
On this day in 2002 (in Hungary), Star Trek: The Next Generation aired "Who Watches The Watchers." Officially, this served as the fourth episode in the program's third season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A proto-Vulcan culture worships Captain Picard and prepares to offer Counselor Troi as a sacrifice."
"A proto-Vulcan culture worships Captain Picard and prepares to offer Counselor Troi as a sacrifice."
On this day in 2011, Sanctuary aired "Sanctuary For None: Part 1." Officially, this served as the twelfth episode in the program's fourth (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"When the Sanctuary is approached by an abnormal leader about a radical plan for peace, Magnus goes all in and pledges her full support. However, when Will is forced to leave the Sanctuary, his decision may just put everyone at risk."
"When the Sanctuary is approached by an abnormal leader about a radical plan for peace, Magnus goes all in and pledges her full support. However, when Will is forced to leave the Sanctuary, his decision may just put everyone at risk."
