Everyone's favorite android -- Lt. Commander Data -- was a prominent character in Star Trek: The Next Generation, and the actor who played him -- Brent Spiner -- celebrates his birthday on February 2nd! Spiner -- who also had a great bit role in Independence Day -- was born on this day in 1949. [Source: IMDB.com]
In 1993, character actor Robert Mandan signed aboard Star Trek: Deep Space Nine in the guise of the Cardassian Kotan Pa'Dar for a single episode. Mandan was born on this day in 1932.
Between his live acting and voice work, the esteemed Tony Jay left a career rich with terrific performances. He's been a part of Time Bandits (1981), My Stepmother Is An Alien (1988), Twin Peaks, Star Trek: The Next Generation, Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman, and much, much more. Though he's no longer with us, Jay was born on this day in 1933.
Critical favorite David Jason whipped up what magic and mystery he could with a role aboard The Color Of Magic miniseries from 2008. Jason was born on this day in 1940. [Source: IMDB.com]
The venerable tough-guy Bo Hopkins has chewed more scenery than most of you have ever seen. Fans know him from appearances aboard The Wild Wild West, Tentacles (1977), Supertrain, Phantoms (1998), and From Dusk Till Dawn 2: Texas Blood Money (1999). Though he's no longer with us, Hopkins was born on this day in 1942. [Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
I penned a few words regarding Mr. Hopkins' passing in 2022. Interested readers can find them available right here.
ExtraExtra Alert:
I penned a few words regarding Mr. Hopkins' passing in 2022. Interested readers can find them available right here.
The venerable Geoffrey Hughes (above right) joined Colin Baker for a few episodes of Doctor Who during the program's 1986 television season. Though he's no longer with us, Hughes was born on this day in 1944.
Though he steadily drifted further and further away from the realm of Science Fiction throughout his career, Blake Clark's first IMDB.com citations include two roles aboard The Greatest American Hero. Clark was born on this day in 1946.
The great J. E. Freeman had a role as the evil space scientist -- Dr. Wren -- experimenting on things none so human in the poorly received Alien: Resurrection. Though he's no longer with us, Freeman was born on this day in 1946.
One of the loveliest creatures in all of mankind was Farrah Fawcett. Her primary claim to fame was headlining TV's popular Charlie's Angels, but she also gave sci-fi fans something to get excited about: she had a small role in Logan's Run (1977) and then a much more revealing one (snicker snicker) in 1980's cheesier Saturn 3. Though she's no longer with us, Fawcett was born on this day in 1947.
Jack McGee (in the baseball cap) has had a tremendous career bringing so many great characters to life. To our benefit, he's even participated in science fiction, playing the role of 'Doc' in the short-lived Space Rangers. McGee was born on this day in 1949.
Ach, that's gonna leave a mark! Tough guy Bob Schott doesn't look quite so tough right there, but he still managed to build a career in some SciFi/Cult flicks like Future Hunters (1986) and Aftershock (1990). Schott was born on this day in 1949.
Award-winning actress Barbara Sukowa is doing what she can to fight the future (as well as her past) as part of the ensemble at the core of Syfy's new hit drama, 12 Monkeys. Sukowa was born on this day in 1950. [Source: IMDB.com]
Most people will always remember Carol Ann Susi for her off-screen role of Debbie Wolowitz on CBS's popular The Big Bang Theory, but she also made some live acting entries in SciFi, including a role on the short-lived Journeyman for NBC. Though she's no longer with us, Susi was born on this day in 1952.
Taking a break from the world of soap operas, Kim Zimmer appeared in a guest spot aboard the cult hit, Babylon 5. Zimmer was born on this day in 1955.
Michael T. Weiss headlined NBC's stellar The Pretender, a SciFi-lite program that explored the adventures of a genius whose mind had been altered by the secret technology of The Centre. Weiss was born on this day in 1962.
The work of C. Ernst Harth is certainly a cause for genre celebration today. Since enacting a career in the business, he's garnered guest roles aboard Strange Luck, The X-Files, Millennium, First Wave, Harsh Realm, The Outer Limits, The Dead Zone, The 4400, Supernatural, Smallville, Fringe, and Almost Human. Harth was born on this day in 1970.
Arly Jover enjoyed some screen time menacing heroes aboard the big screen adaptation of Blade (1998). Jover was born on this day in 1971. [Source: IMDB.com]
Brad McMurray continues to find small roles in some pretty big genre franchises. He's been seen in Time Trax, Gargantua (1998), The Lost World, BeastMaster, and Sinbad and the Minotaur (2011). McMurray was born on this day in 1971.
Tanya Clarke has only dabbled in the realm of Science Fiction. While the bulk of her career has been committed to soap operas, she has appeared in such projects at Repo Men, Supernatural, and Marvel's Inhumans. She also did vocal work for the Dead Space 2 video game. Clarke was born on this day in 1972.
The dreamy Eden Espinosa and her wonderful vocal chords have graced the SciFi small screen in Adult Swim's Titan Maximum and the Robot Chicken Star Wars specials. Espinosa was born on this day in 1978.
Macarena Gómez has been turning heads for her work aboard such Fantasies as Dagon (2001), Romasanta (2004), and Witching and Bitching (2013). Gómez was born on this day in 1978. [Source: IMDB.com]
Before she headlined Syfy's SciFi-lite program Haven for five seasons, young Emily Rose braved the Apocalypse at the heart of CBS's Jericho program. Rose was born on this day in 1981. [Source: IMDB.com]
Gemma Arterton has dabbled in the realm of Fantasy with roles aboard such projects as Clash of the Titans (2010), Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time (2010), and Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters (2013). Arterton was born on this day in 1986. [Source: IMDB.com]
Newcomer Ryan Watson signed aboard The Sarah Jane Adventures for all of two episodes in "The Lost Boy" storyline. Watson was born on this day in 1993.
A star is born! On this day in 1925, The Lost World enjoyed its very first theatrical exhibition ever! Directed by Harry O. Hoyt, the Fantasy feature starred Wallace Beery and Bessie Love, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A expedition to rescue Maple White, who has been marooned at the top of a high plateau. Joined by hunter John Roxton, and others, the group goes to South America, where they do indeed find a plateau inhabited by pre-historic creatures, one of which they even manage to bring back to London with them."
For the record:
1925's version of The Lost World is the very first attempt ever at adapting the Sir Arthur Conan Doyle novel for the silver screen. In 1998, the National Film Registry voted to preserve the film due to its artistic contribution to all of filmdom. The 2014 Blu-ray release from Flicker Alley was nominated for the Saturn Award for the Best DVD/Blu-ray Special Edition Release. (FYI: I've seen that version, and it's a magnificent release.)
More for the record:
And -- incidentally -- Flicker Alley was gracious enough to provided me with a complimentary Blu-ray back in 2017 in exchange for a review. Readers interested in knowing what I thought of it can check out my entry right here.
"A expedition to rescue Maple White, who has been marooned at the top of a high plateau. Joined by hunter John Roxton, and others, the group goes to South America, where they do indeed find a plateau inhabited by pre-historic creatures, one of which they even manage to bring back to London with them."
For the record:
1925's version of The Lost World is the very first attempt ever at adapting the Sir Arthur Conan Doyle novel for the silver screen. In 1998, the National Film Registry voted to preserve the film due to its artistic contribution to all of filmdom. The 2014 Blu-ray release from Flicker Alley was nominated for the Saturn Award for the Best DVD/Blu-ray Special Edition Release. (FYI: I've seen that version, and it's a magnificent release.)
More for the record:
And -- incidentally -- Flicker Alley was gracious enough to provided me with a complimentary Blu-ray back in 2017 in exchange for a review. Readers interested in knowing what I thought of it can check out my entry right here.
On this day in 1963 (in Mexico), The Brain Eaters sunk their teeth into the brains of interesting moviegoers. Directed by Bruno VeSota, the SciFi/Horror starred Ed Nelson, Alan Jay Factor, and Cornelius Keefe. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The inhabitants of a small Illinois town begin disappearing after a strange cone is found sticking out of the ground nearby."
For the record:
Alas, The Brain Eaters is another one of those older flicks whose original release date still eludes me. I'll keep searching for it.
"The inhabitants of a small Illinois town begin disappearing after a strange cone is found sticking out of the ground nearby."
For the record:
Alas, The Brain Eaters is another one of those older flicks whose original release date still eludes me. I'll keep searching for it.
On this day in 1979 (in Finland), Superman had audiences believing that a man could fly. Directed by Richard Donner, the Superhero feature starred Christopher Reeve, Gene Hackman, and Margot Kidder. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"An alien orphan is sent from his dying planet to Earth, where he grows up to become his adoptive home's first and greatest superhero."
For the record:
At the 1979 Academy Awards, Superman failed to take home the trophy for 'Best Music, Original Score,' 'Best Film Editing,' and 'Best Sound' ... but it was awarded a Special Achievement Award for its pioneering visual effects work. Thankfully, the 1979 Saturn Awards corrected any critical oversight when it awarded the film recognition in the categories of 'Best Production Design,' 'Best Special Effects,' 'Best Music,' 'Best Actress,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.' The feature film also took home the 1979 Hugo Award for 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
"An alien orphan is sent from his dying planet to Earth, where he grows up to become his adoptive home's first and greatest superhero."
For the record:
At the 1979 Academy Awards, Superman failed to take home the trophy for 'Best Music, Original Score,' 'Best Film Editing,' and 'Best Sound' ... but it was awarded a Special Achievement Award for its pioneering visual effects work. Thankfully, the 1979 Saturn Awards corrected any critical oversight when it awarded the film recognition in the categories of 'Best Production Design,' 'Best Special Effects,' 'Best Music,' 'Best Actress,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.' The feature film also took home the 1979 Hugo Award for 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
On this day in 1985 (in Japan), Inseminoid (aka Horrorplanet) enjoyed its theatrical release. Directed by Norman J. Warren, the SciFi/Horror starred Robin Clarke, Jennifer Ashley, and Stephanie Beacham. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A crew of interplanetary archaeologists is threatened when an alien creature impregnates one of their members, causing her to turn homicidal and murder them one by one."
For the record:
At the 1982 Fantafestival, Inseminoid was awarded the 'Best Special Effects' Award. For the 1982 Fantasporto Film Festival, the motion picture was nominated for the 'Best Film' Award but lost to another entry.
"A crew of interplanetary archaeologists is threatened when an alien creature impregnates one of their members, causing her to turn homicidal and murder them one by one."
For the record:
At the 1982 Fantafestival, Inseminoid was awarded the 'Best Special Effects' Award. For the 1982 Fantasporto Film Festival, the motion picture was nominated for the 'Best Film' Award but lost to another entry.
On this day in 1996 (in Japan), Alien Nation: Dark Horizon enjoyed its debut on home video. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"An Overseer named Ahpossno comes to Earth to take the slaves, and all humans, back to the mothership."
"An Overseer named Ahpossno comes to Earth to take the slaves, and all humans, back to the mothership."
A star is born! On this day in 1999, Veronica 2030 tried hard to earn a SciFi audience. The feature starred Julia Ann and Joseph Roth, and here's the premise as listed on IMDB.com:
"The year is 2030 and two scientists, Felix and Maxine, are about to release their latest creation, Veronica a fully functional pleasure android, out onto the market. Unfortunately, untimely interference from a colleague causes Veronica to be sent back to the year 1998. There she meets Harry Horner and becomes a lingerie model to help his ailing catalogue fetish business. Soon Camilla, Harry's competitor, learns of Veronica and steals her away to make Veronica work for her. Eventually, the two scientists locate Veronica and travel back to 1998 in a bid to rescue her. Harry and the scientists combine forces and rescue Veronica from Camilla's clutches. Veronica makes Harry's business a success and he is able to sell it to an interested buyer. Veronica and Harry have fallen in love and she decides to stay in 1998 along with the two scientists!"
"The year is 2030 and two scientists, Felix and Maxine, are about to release their latest creation, Veronica a fully functional pleasure android, out onto the market. Unfortunately, untimely interference from a colleague causes Veronica to be sent back to the year 1998. There she meets Harry Horner and becomes a lingerie model to help his ailing catalogue fetish business. Soon Camilla, Harry's competitor, learns of Veronica and steals her away to make Veronica work for her. Eventually, the two scientists locate Veronica and travel back to 1998 in a bid to rescue her. Harry and the scientists combine forces and rescue Veronica from Camilla's clutches. Veronica makes Harry's business a success and he is able to sell it to an interested buyer. Veronica and Harry have fallen in love and she decides to stay in 1998 along with the two scientists!"
On this day in 2006 (in Spain), the SciFi/Classic Forbidden Planet enjoyed a rare theatrical re-release. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A starship crew goes to investigate the silence of a planet's colony only to find two survivors and a deadly secret that one of them has."
"A starship crew goes to investigate the silence of a planet's colony only to find two survivors and a deadly secret that one of them has."
On this day in 2007 (in Japan), Psychon Invaders enjoyed its release on home video. The feature starred Ford Austin and Philo Barnhart, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Sarah McKinnis, a software engineer at a weapons factory, is accidentally shot in the head by a new type of riot control pistol. From that moment, her life becomes a nightmare. People appear to her as hideous aliens. She is the only one that can see these creatures. She tries to warn her normal looking supervisor, Ed Devon, but the evil space creatures massacre everyone at her laboratory. Sarah escapes with the riot control pistol. The aliens kill her sister in retaliation. She wages a lone war against the extra-terrestrial menace, shooting and killing the army of hideous, green skinned monsters from space. But, how can one woman stop this hidden invasion from the stars?"
For the record:
Alas, I've not been able to locate an original release date for Psychon Invaders. IMDB.com does show it played in the U.S. sometime during 2006, so I'll keep looking.
"Sarah McKinnis, a software engineer at a weapons factory, is accidentally shot in the head by a new type of riot control pistol. From that moment, her life becomes a nightmare. People appear to her as hideous aliens. She is the only one that can see these creatures. She tries to warn her normal looking supervisor, Ed Devon, but the evil space creatures massacre everyone at her laboratory. Sarah escapes with the riot control pistol. The aliens kill her sister in retaliation. She wages a lone war against the extra-terrestrial menace, shooting and killing the army of hideous, green skinned monsters from space. But, how can one woman stop this hidden invasion from the stars?"
For the record:
Alas, I've not been able to locate an original release date for Psychon Invaders. IMDB.com does show it played in the U.S. sometime during 2006, so I'll keep looking.
On this day in 2015 (in the United Kingdom), Enter Nowhere tried to go somewhere at the domestic box office. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Three strangers arrive one by one at a mysterious cabin in the middle of nowhere only to learn they've been brought together for a reason."
"Three strangers arrive one by one at a mysterious cabin in the middle of nowhere only to learn they've been brought together for a reason."
On this day in 2019 (in the Netherlands), a digitally-restored version of the 1978-produced Superman played for audiences in a rare theatrical re-release. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"An alien orphan is sent from his dying planet to Earth, where he grows up to become his adoptive home's first and greatest superhero."
"An alien orphan is sent from his dying planet to Earth, where he grows up to become his adoptive home's first and greatest superhero."
On this day in 1967, Star Trek aired "Court Martial." Officially, this served as the twentieth episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"After encountering a severe ion storm, the Enterprise visits Star Base 11 for repairs. While there, Kirk files a report about the death of crewman and former friend LCDR Finney, who was taking scientific readings in an externally mounted instrument pod before Kirk needed to jettison it for the safety of the ship. However, the computer log shows that Kirk jettisoned the pod before there was a danger, thereby revealing the captain's willful perjury and culpable negligence in crewman Finney's death. Or so it would seem."
"After encountering a severe ion storm, the Enterprise visits Star Base 11 for repairs. While there, Kirk files a report about the death of crewman and former friend LCDR Finney, who was taking scientific readings in an externally mounted instrument pod before Kirk needed to jettison it for the safety of the ship. However, the computer log shows that Kirk jettisoned the pod before there was a danger, thereby revealing the captain's willful perjury and culpable negligence in crewman Finney's death. Or so it would seem."
On this day in 1968, Star Trek aired "A Private Little War." Officially, this served as the nineteenth episode in the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Kirk returns to the planet where he spent time 13 years before. A friend from his previous visit is now leader of his people. While trying to uphold the Federation's prime directive, the Klingons are providing more advanced technology to their enemies."
"Kirk returns to the planet where he spent time 13 years before. A friend from his previous visit is now leader of his people. While trying to uphold the Federation's prime directive, the Klingons are providing more advanced technology to their enemies."
On this day in 1984 (in the United Kingdom), The Adventure Game aired the first episode of its third season on television. According to the official BBC website, here's the plot summary:
"Sarah Greene, Anne Miller and Richard Stilgoe are the Earth visitors challenged to a battle of wits against the bad-tempered Rangdo."
"Sarah Greene, Anne Miller and Richard Stilgoe are the Earth visitors challenged to a battle of wits against the bad-tempered Rangdo."
On this day in 1991 (in the United Kingdom), She-Wolf Of London aired "Voodoo Child." Officially, this served as the thirteenth episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Ian is accosted by a know-it-all student in his mythology class who claims that he knows all about the voodoo use of an obscure Indian cult."
"Ian is accosted by a know-it-all student in his mythology class who claims that he knows all about the voodoo use of an obscure Indian cult."
On this day in 1991, Star Trek: The Next Generation aired "Devil's Due." Officially, this served as the thirteenth episode in the program's fourth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"While answering a distress call, Picard finds himself not sure of exactly who he is dealing with, but he's sure he's not dealing with the planet's version of the Devil, as she claims to be."
"While answering a distress call, Picard finds himself not sure of exactly who he is dealing with, but he's sure he's not dealing with the planet's version of the Devil, as she claims to be."
On this day in 1991, Super Force aired "Of Human Bondage." This served as the eighteenth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary from TV.com:
"Super Force must rescue some students who have been taken for an interplanetary zoo."
"Super Force must rescue some students who have been taken for an interplanetary zoo."
On this day in 1994, Babylon 5 aired "Soul Hunter." This served as the second episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary compliments of IMDB.com:
"A mysterious alien who steals the souls of the living arrives on the station putting Delenn's life in danger."
"A mysterious alien who steals the souls of the living arrives on the station putting Delenn's life in danger."
On this day in 1996, TekWar aired "Redemption." This served as the seventeenth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Bascom orders Jake to protect a former Mayor and Tek addict, who is running for re-election. Jake must fight Teklords who are trying to prevent the mayor from succeeding in his campaign."
"Bascom orders Jake to protect a former Mayor and Tek addict, who is running for re-election. Jake must fight Teklords who are trying to prevent the mayor from succeeding in his campaign."
On this day in 1996, The Outer Limits aired "Mind Over Matter." This served as the fifth episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A doctor uses a virtual reality A.I. device that gives him direct access inside the human mind to enter the mind of a colleague he deeply cares about and help her after she's hit by a car and slips into a coma. Things go horribly wrong."
"A doctor uses a virtual reality A.I. device that gives him direct access inside the human mind to enter the mind of a colleague he deeply cares about and help her after she's hit by a car and slips into a coma. Things go horribly wrong."
On this day in 1998, Team Knight Rider aired "Angels In Chains." Officially, this served as the fifteenth episode in the program's first (and only) season on original broadcast television, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Jenny has been accused of stealing confidential files and Team Knight Rider must clear her of all charges."
"Jenny has been accused of stealing confidential files and Team Knight Rider must clear her of all charges."
On this day in 2000, Star Trek: Voyager aired "Memorial." This served as the fourteenth episode of the program's sixth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by TrekCore.com:
"Voyager crewmembers return from an away mission experiencing repressed memories of having participated in a massacre. They soon realize something is amiss when the rest of the crew start to experience the same vivid thoughts..."
"Voyager crewmembers return from an away mission experiencing repressed memories of having participated in a massacre. They soon realize something is amiss when the rest of the crew start to experience the same vivid thoughts..."
On this day in 2004, Mutant X aired "Conspiracy Theory." This served as the twelfth episode of the program's third (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"While Brennan and Shalimar investigate a mysterious plane crash, Lexa contemplates her future with the Mutant X team."
"While Brennan and Shalimar investigate a mysterious plane crash, Lexa contemplates her future with the Mutant X team."
On this day in 2015 (in the United Kingdom), Eve aired "Brain Freeze." Officially, this served as the fifth episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMB.com:
"Eve is determined to taste ice cream like her family and friends even though she is warned that the cold temperatures could destroy her operating system. She is becoming difficult in other ways as she starts to suspect the real purpose for her creation. Meanwhile Abe senses a devious way to win the school maths competition."
"Eve is determined to taste ice cream like her family and friends even though she is warned that the cold temperatures could destroy her operating system. She is becoming difficult in other ways as she starts to suspect the real purpose for her creation. Meanwhile Abe senses a devious way to win the school maths competition."
On this day in 2016, The Expanse aired "Critical Mass." Officially, this served as the ninth episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A flashback to Julie's origin story reveals her trajectory. Holden and Miller finally meet and team up to get to the bottom of the strange emergency situation happening on Eros. As the true horror of the events on Eros is revealed, an ailing Holden and Miller must overcome incredible odds if they hope to live to fight another day."
"A flashback to Julie's origin story reveals her trajectory. Holden and Miller finally meet and team up to get to the bottom of the strange emergency situation happening on Eros. As the true horror of the events on Eros is revealed, an ailing Holden and Miller must overcome incredible odds if they hope to live to fight another day."
On this day in 2016, The Expanse aired "Leviathan Wakes." Officially, this served as the tenth episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A flashback to Julie's origin story reveals her trajectory. Holden and Miller finally meet and team up to get to the bottom of the strange emergency situation happening on Eros. As the true horror of the events on Eros is revealed, an ailing Holden and Miller must overcome incredible odds if they hope to live to fight another day. Part 2 of 2."
"A flashback to Julie's origin story reveals her trajectory. Holden and Miller finally meet and team up to get to the bottom of the strange emergency situation happening on Eros. As the true horror of the events on Eros is revealed, an ailing Holden and Miller must overcome incredible odds if they hope to live to fight another day. Part 2 of 2."
It all began right here: on this day in 2018 (in the United Kingdom), the Fantasy-themed Requiem sprang to broadcast life. The first episode was titled "Matilda," and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"After her mother Janice commits suicide in front of her cellist Matilda Grey finds a box in Janice's effects containing press cuttings regarding the disappearance of a little girl, Carys Howell, twenty-four years earlier in the Welsh village of Penllynith. Accompanied by pianist friend Hal Fine she drives to the village, meeting the child's mother Rose and her new husband Aron Morgan, who are both hostile. More welcoming is another visitor, Australian Nick Dean who invites them to stay at his late uncle Ewan's mansion, which also figured in Janice's pictures. Whilst staying there Matilda hears strange noises and is convinced she has been at the house before."
"After her mother Janice commits suicide in front of her cellist Matilda Grey finds a box in Janice's effects containing press cuttings regarding the disappearance of a little girl, Carys Howell, twenty-four years earlier in the Welsh village of Penllynith. Accompanied by pianist friend Hal Fine she drives to the village, meeting the child's mother Rose and her new husband Aron Morgan, who are both hostile. More welcoming is another visitor, Australian Nick Dean who invites them to stay at his late uncle Ewan's mansion, which also figured in Janice's pictures. Whilst staying there Matilda hears strange noises and is convinced she has been at the house before."
