Ernest Borgnine had a very impressive film career. His first work was done in 1951, and he worked in the biz all the way until 2012. Many folks remember him from CBS's great action/adventure program, Airwolf, where he appeared as the sidekick Dominic Santini. He had a solid role in Walt Disney's The Black Hole (1979). But I'll always remember him fondly as Cabbie from John Carpenter's dystopian epic Escape from New York (1981), one of my all-time favorite flicks. Though he's no longer with us, Borgnine was born on this day in 1917.
John McLiam enjoyed a guest-starring appearance aboard Star Trek: The Next Generation's third season outing, "Who Watchers the Watchers?" The talented actor also had roles on The Twilight Zone, Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea, The Outer Limits, The Invaders, Planet of the Apes (TV), The Invisible Man, The Food of the Gods (1976), The Incredible Hulk, Voyagers, and V. Though he's no longer with us, McLiam was born on this day in 1918.
The venerable Terence Bayler left behind a resume terrific with genre participation, including roles aboard Doctor Who, The Snow Queen (1976), The Light Princess (animated, 1978), Time Bandits (1981), Brazil (1985), Crystalstone (1987), Strange But True, and Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (2001). Though he's no longer with us, Bayler was born on this day in 1930.
Julie Gregg enjoyed some supporting screen time aboard such projects as TV's Batman, Kolchak: The Night Stalker, and The Incredible Hulk. Though she's no longer with us, Gregg was born on this day in 1937. [Source: IMDB.com]
In the late 1960's, Robert Sidaway had the good fortune to appear aboard the BBC's Doctor Who in a nine-episode run. Sidaway was born on this day in 1942.
Screenwriter and story editor David Gerrold has contributed to a solid handful of excellent properties including work for Star Trek, Star Trek: The Animated Series, Land of the Lost, Logan's Run (TV), Superboy, Babylon 5, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Sliders, Star Trek New Voyages: Phase II, and Axanar. Gerrold was born on this day in 1944.
Elaine Giftos' IMDB.com profile is fairly light since the dawn of the 21st century, but she definitely made some inroads into our beloved realm, enjoying guest roles in such properties as Kolchak: The Night Stalker, The Six Million Dollar Man, Through the Magic Pyramid, Knight Rider, and War of the Worlds (TV). Giftos was born on this day in 1945.
Michael Ontkean (shown above from his role of Harry S. Truman on TV's Twin Peaks) has only dabbled in Science Fiction with guest roles aboard PSI Factor: Chronicles of the Paranormal and The Outer Limits. Ontkean was born on this day in 1946.
Michael Des Barres maintains an incredible body of work. SciFi fans might recognize him from work aboard Ghoulies (1984), Nightflyers (1987), ALF, Super Force, Waxwork II: Lost In Time (1992), Lois & Clark: The New Adventures Of Superman, and Sliders. Des Barres was born on this day in 1948. [Source: IMDB.com]
No, no, no: John Belushi was not a SciFi legend. What he was was a brilliant comedian, and -- on Saturday Night Live -- he gave Trekdom an absolutely pitch perfect William Shatner impression in a sketch poking fun at the show in brilliant, lighthearded fashion. Check it out if you can get your hands on it. Though he's no longer with us, Belushi was born on this day in 1949. [Source: IMDB.com]
William Allen Young enjoyed two appearances aboard the SciFi favorite Babylon 5 during that program's life. Young was born on this day in 1954.
Amick Byram was fortunate enough to score two different guest spots aboard Star Trek: The Next Generation during that program's life in TV syndication. Byram was born on this day in 1955.
Peter Woodward (shown above as Galen from the Babylon 5 spinoff, Crusade) has been all over the world of quality genre entertainment. He's had roles in Brimstone, Charmed, the Babylon 5 telefilms, Stargate: Atlantis, Fringe, and the short-lived Dracula TV series. Woodward was born on this day in 1956.
You serve the Empire, and you deserve a mention: Adrian Edmondson enjoyed a small amount of screen time aboard Star Wars: Episode VIII - The Last Jedi (2017). Edmondson was born on this day in 1957. [Source: IMDB.com]
Even the critical darling Nastassja Kinski has dipped into SciFi's waters with a leading role aboard The Day The World Ended (2001) for Creature Features Productions. Kinski was born on this day in 1961.
Edward Atterton made an appearance in the Dune miniseries follow-up -- Children of Dune -- back in 2003. He also booked roles in the Mists of Avalon miniseries as a guest spot on Fox's Firefly. Atterton was born on this day in 1962.
You may not know his face, but chances are you've heard his voice ... or voices! Phil LaMarr has contributed to several SciFi-related animation projects, from Futurama, Samurai Jack, and Star Wars: The Clone Wars. Today, he celebrates his birthday, born on this day in 1967!
Though her small screen debut was playing plucky young Michelle Ryan aboard the cult SciFi series Salvage 1, Heather McAdam quickly moved into far more conventional dramas and comedies as tends to happen. She did make appearances in the TV movie Starflight as well as having a guest spots aboard Alien Nation and Quantum Leap. Heather: if you're reading, you always have a home in SciFi! McAdam was born on this day in 1968.
The luscious Stephanie Romanov had a few guest spots aboard the Time Travel drama, Seven Days, for UPN during that channel's life. She also enjoyed a recurring role aboard the vampire drama, Angel. Romanov was born on this day in 1969.
The lovely Kenya Moore set aside her 'Real Housewives' persona in order to take a guest role aboard Sharknado 4: The Fourth Awakens. Moore was born on this day in 1971.
William Gregory Lee joined Jessica Alba for several episodes of Dark Angel's run on Fox. Otherwise, he's trafficked a bit in the world of fantasy, leaving his SciFi visits pretty slim. Lee was born on this day in 1973.
Voice actress Lucy Montgomery gave the Torchwood audio universe a whirl with a role aboard its "Lost Souls" storyline. Montgomery was born on this day in 1975.
In 2009, Johann Urb saw the world come to its Mayan-prophesized end in Roland Emmerich's 2012. He's also had the chance to play in the Resident Evil universe with a role in Resident Evil: Retribution (2012). Urb was born on this day in 1977.
The lovely and funny Kristen Schaal mines the Apocalypse for laughs as part of the SciFi/Sitcom The Last Man on Earth. Schaal was born on this day in 1978.
Outside of a wildly impressive roster of voice acting appearances, the venerable Mark Hildreth has made terrific contributions to the world of Science Fiction and Fantasy. He's enjoyed meaty roles on Andromeda, The Dead Zone, Taken (TV miniseries), Stargate: Infinity, Earthsea, and V. Hildreth was born on this day in 1978.
If you follow the news, then you're aware that former Power Rangers star Ricardo Medina, Jr. has definitely fallen on some hard times (quite possibly owed to his own actions), but I'll still give him a birthday shout for his contributions to pop culture history. Medina, Jr. was born on this day in 1979. [Source: IMDB.com]
Legend of the Seeker's Craig Horner got his start in the single-season SciFi/Cult series, Cybergirl, for Australian television. Horner was born on this day in 1983.
While but an urchin, Remy Ryan came to work alongside Detroit's finest in Robocop 3 (1993). She also enjoyed a guest role aboard CBS's The Flash in the early 1990's. Ryan was born on this day in 1984.
Ashley C. Williams got her start in an uncredited role aboard the Fantasy Willow (1988) and has gone on to some very unusual projects throughout her career. She also participated in 2015's SciFi-lite flick Selene Hollow. Williams was born on this day in 1984. [Source: IMDB.com]
Luke Arnold is only one of the regulars exploring the SciFi/Fantasy mystery at the heart of Glitch on television. Arnold was born on this day in 1984. [Source: IMDB.com]
Young Justin Baldoni enjoyed a few appearances aboard NBC's popular Heroes during its original run on television. Baldoni was born on this day in 1984.
From the bio page on her website: "Aimée Carter is the author of multiple series for young adults and middle grade readers. The Goddess Test and The Blackcoat Rebellion young adult series are both out now from Harlequin Teen. Simon Thorn and the Wolf's Den, the first in the Simon Thorn middle grade series, is out now from Bloomsbury US/UK." Carter was born on this day in 1986.
Take my word for it: Ireland's Ruth Bradley plays the prettiest, funniest drunk you'll ever see defending the Earth from an alien infestation of Grabbers! You'd do well to check out that release on home video. The actress was also seen in the BBC series Primeval and, most recently, AMC's Humans. Bradley was born on this day in 1987.
Ben Lamb enjoyed a supporting role aboard the popular Young Adult SciFi adaptation of Divergent (2014). Lamb was born on this day in 1989. [Source: IMDB.com]
Though he's probably more widely recognized from his handful of appearances on The CW's long-running Supernatural, Dylan Everett also made a few visits to the SciFi/Family program, Annedroids. Everett was born on this day in 1995.
One of newcomer Jonah Bobo's earliest roles was as the equally young 'Danny' in Zathura: A Space Adventure (2005). Bobo was born on this day in 1997.
On this day in 1988, Part 2 of Earth Star Voyager aired as part of a telefilm presentation aboard Walt Disney's Wonderful World of Color. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The Earth Star Voyager is a spaceship sent to another solar system to prepare it for colonization. Earth itself is horribly polluted, so the mission is vitally important. But as the departing starship gets under way, signs begin to emerge that their mission may unwittingly be part of a larger conspiracy."
"The Earth Star Voyager is a spaceship sent to another solar system to prepare it for colonization. Earth itself is horribly polluted, so the mission is vitally important. But as the departing starship gets under way, signs begin to emerge that their mission may unwittingly be part of a larger conspiracy."
On this day in 2003 (in Japan), the SciFi/Thriller Ice Planet enjoyed its home video premiere. The feature starred Sab Shimono and James O'Shea, and here's the plot summary as provided by Amazon.com:
"In the brief period of peace after a terrible war in a far future Earth, an outer-space military academy is attacked by an unknown and unstoppable alien force. The commander of the academy, along with a group of newly graduated cadets, escapes to a large research station. Pursued by the aliens, the station jumps through a mysterious hyperspace gateway that sends them to a planet in an unknown part of the universe. Where are they, and will they ever be able to return to Earth?"
"In the brief period of peace after a terrible war in a far future Earth, an outer-space military academy is attacked by an unknown and unstoppable alien force. The commander of the academy, along with a group of newly graduated cadets, escapes to a large research station. Pursued by the aliens, the station jumps through a mysterious hyperspace gateway that sends them to a planet in an unknown part of the universe. Where are they, and will they ever be able to return to Earth?"
On this day in 2004, the Fantasy/Telefilm Dragon Storm breathed fire over everyone watching. The feature starred Maxwell Caulfield and Angel Boris Reed, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Rival kings in the dark ages attempt to unite and defeat an alien dragon menace."
"Rival kings in the dark ages attempt to unite and defeat an alien dragon menace."
On this day in 1967, The Invaders aired "The Mutation." This served as the third hour of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In a border town, David Vincent meets a stripper who claims to have seen something strange in the desert."
Wow. Hope he brought along enough singles ($1 bills) for that.
"In a border town, David Vincent meets a stripper who claims to have seen something strange in the desert."
Wow. Hope he brought along enough singles ($1 bills) for that.
Here's the straight dope on "That Which Survives" from IMDB.com:
"After the Enterprise landing party beams down to investigate a geologically interesting planet, their ship is hurled across the galaxy. Kirk and company find a deserted outpost guarded by the deadly image of a beautiful woman."
The program was part of Star Trek's third (and final) season, and it premiered on this day back in 1969.
"After the Enterprise landing party beams down to investigate a geologically interesting planet, their ship is hurled across the galaxy. Kirk and company find a deserted outpost guarded by the deadly image of a beautiful woman."
The program was part of Star Trek's third (and final) season, and it premiered on this day back in 1969.
On this day in 1970, Doctor Who aired "Spearhead From Space, Part 4." This served as the fourth episode of the program's seventh season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"With UNIT's investigation being blocked by the Replica of Scobie, the Doctor and Liz visit Madame Tussaud's to try and find out more as Channing prepares to activate the Autons."
"With UNIT's investigation being blocked by the Replica of Scobie, the Doctor and Liz visit Madame Tussaud's to try and find out more as Channing prepares to activate the Autons."
On this day in 1976, Doctor Who aired "The Brain of Morbius, Part 4." This served as the twentieth episode of the program's thirteenth season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Morbius goes on the rampage, forcing the Doctor and Solon to team up to try and bring him back under control."
"Morbius goes on the rampage, forcing the Doctor and Solon to team up to try and bring him back under control."
Guess who's back? That's right! "Ardala Returns" in a very special episode of Buck Rogers in the 25th Century that aired on this day back in 1980. This time out, Ardala's plans include kidnapping Rogers so that she can infiltrate Earth's defenses with a clone copy of the captain himself; that way, she can attack our planet with the ultimate spy serving her evil bidding! How dastardly!
For the record: Just how lovely and memorable is this particular installment of Buck Rogers? Well, I find it worthy to note that its production personnel -- Hub Braden, Fred Luff III, and Frank Lombardo -- all shared the 1980 Primetime Emmy nomination for 'Outstanding Art Direction for a Series' ... no small feat indeed.
For the record: Just how lovely and memorable is this particular installment of Buck Rogers? Well, I find it worthy to note that its production personnel -- Hub Braden, Fred Luff III, and Frank Lombardo -- all shared the 1980 Primetime Emmy nomination for 'Outstanding Art Direction for a Series' ... no small feat indeed.
On this day in 1981, Doctor Who aired "Warriors' Gate, Part 4." This served as the twentieth episode of the program's eighteenth season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"After the Doctor and Romana save the Tharil race, Romana agrees to leave the Doctor to become the Tharils' 'Queen of Time.'"
"After the Doctor and Romana save the Tharil race, Romana agrees to leave the Doctor to become the Tharils' 'Queen of Time.'"
On this day in 1993, the crew of the Space Rangers continued their short trip in television history. "The Trail" is described by IMDB.com as follows:
"Isogul frames Zylyn for the murder of the Graaka Karlat. Given overall human anti-Graaka sentiment, no one will testify on his behalf. Can Boon prove Zylyn's innocence before he does the honourable thing and commits ritual suicide?"
"Isogul frames Zylyn for the murder of the Graaka Karlat. Given overall human anti-Graaka sentiment, no one will testify on his behalf. Can Boon prove Zylyn's innocence before he does the honourable thing and commits ritual suicide?"
As part of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine's inaugural season, the writers really tried to bring some fresh ideas to the process of storytelling. As an example, consider "Babel," an episode that aired on this day in 1993. Here's the summary from IMDB.com:
"The crew and civilian population of Deep Space Nine begin to gabble when a plague, engineered by the Bajorans as a weapon against the Cardassians, accidentally gets released into the station's atmosphere."
"The crew and civilian population of Deep Space Nine begin to gabble when a plague, engineered by the Bajorans as a weapon against the Cardassians, accidentally gets released into the station's atmosphere."
On this day in 2001, Starhunter aired the thirteenth episode of its first season. The hour was titled "The Most Wanted Man," and here's the plot summary from Wikipedia.org:
"Rudolpho assigns Dante to bring in a man wanted by The Orchard named Harman who has superhuman speed and is evolving into something even more powerful. Getting in the way are a Mars Federation patrol who claims that Harman is their bounty, as well as a repo-man who wants Dante's ship because Rudolpho fell behind on his payments. Things become even more complicated when a third, unidentified ship arrives who Luc secretly contacts, and the trust between the two bounty hunters begins to shatter."
"Rudolpho assigns Dante to bring in a man wanted by The Orchard named Harman who has superhuman speed and is evolving into something even more powerful. Getting in the way are a Mars Federation patrol who claims that Harman is their bounty, as well as a repo-man who wants Dante's ship because Rudolpho fell behind on his payments. Things become even more complicated when a third, unidentified ship arrives who Luc secretly contacts, and the trust between the two bounty hunters begins to shatter."
On this day in 2001, B'Elanna is troubled by flashbacks of her own childhood as she grows overwhelmed with the prospect of giving birth to her own child in "Lineage."
On this day in 2003, Farscape continued the countdown toward the finale of its fourth season with an episode titled "Twice Shy." Here's the episode summary, compliments of IMDB.com:
"The crew goes into Tormented Space, where they hope to avoid both the Peacekeepers and Scarrans. The crew buys maps for the area, Chiana buys a slave girl and sets her free. The crew tries to contact the trader after discovering Rygel cheated them. The crew starts acting stranger than ever. Rygel's greedier, D'Argo's angrier, Chiana's passion is on overdrive, etc. Crichton's behavior towards Aeryn are finally revealed."
"The crew goes into Tormented Space, where they hope to avoid both the Peacekeepers and Scarrans. The crew buys maps for the area, Chiana buys a slave girl and sets her free. The crew tries to contact the trader after discovering Rygel cheated them. The crew starts acting stranger than ever. Rygel's greedier, D'Argo's angrier, Chiana's passion is on overdrive, etc. Crichton's behavior towards Aeryn are finally revealed."
On this day in 2005, the first season of Syfy's Battlestar Galactica came to a close with the airing of "Kobol's Last Gleaming, Part 2." Here's the summary from IMDB.com:
"Infuriated that Roslin usurped his command by ordering Starbuck to steal the captured Raider, Adama decides that his only option is to storm Colonial One with marines and terminate her presidency. Starbuck reaches Caprica and finds the Arrow of Apollo in a museum, but she has to go through a copy of Number Six to get it."
"Infuriated that Roslin usurped his command by ordering Starbuck to steal the captured Raider, Adama decides that his only option is to storm Colonial One with marines and terminate her presidency. Starbuck reaches Caprica and finds the Arrow of Apollo in a museum, but she has to go through a copy of Number Six to get it."
