Much like the original Star Trek did over two decades earlier, the crew of Star Cops represented an international approach: a Brit, an Aussie, a Japanese, a Russian, and an American sought to make the immediate heavens a crime-free zone. Apparently the overall storytelling for the show suffered from conflicting creative views, and -- as such -- it lasted only a handful of episodes. Still, the high-flying drama premiered on this day in 1987, and fans should always be thankful for that.
Maybe Sylvester Stallone's take on Judge Dredd (1995) wasn't exactly what I'd call the cat's meow, but I enjoyed his popcorn turn as kinda/sorta future-cop John Spartan in 1993's Demolition Man. Of course, the film doesn't survive as anything hard-core Science Fiction, but it's camp sensibilities while exploring the potential downfall of mankind were balanced with tongue-in-cheek humor. He hasn't really returned to SciFi since those days, but I for one would welcome him back. Stallone was born on this day in 1946. [Source: IMDB.com]
Shame on me: I'd completely forgotten about Sebastian Cabot's role in George Pal's The Time Machine (above center). He'll always be remembered for his work in television, but I'm thrilled SciFi has a claim to his fame as well. Though he's no longer with us, Cabot was born on this day in 1918. [Source: IMDB.com]
William Schallert appeared as 'Nilz Baris' in perhaps one of Star Trek's most memorable episodes ever: "The Trouble With Tribbles." The talented actor has also booked roles on such programs as Land of the Giants, The Six Million Dollar Man, The Bionic Woman, Hangar 18, Twilight Zone: The Movie, Gremlins, The Twilight Zone, Innerspace, Quantum Leap, and Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. Though he's no longer with us, Schallert was born on this day in 1922. [Source: IMDB.com]
The luminous Janet Leigh entered Film History for her role aboard Alfred Hitchcock's seminal Psycho, and she hung around to build an IMDB.com resume of nearly 100 different screen credits. Genre fans might recognize her from appearances aboard The Man From U.N.C.L.E., Night of the Lepus (1972), The Fog (1980), Starman, and The Twilight Zone. Though she's no longer with us, Leigh was born on this day in 1927. [Source: IMDB.com]
Screen veteran Ned Beatty brought a measure of comic relief to 1978's epic origin picture, Superman: The Movie. He returned to the franchise (albeit briefly) in Superman II. Though he's no longer with us, Beatty was born on this day in 1937. [Source: IMDB.com]
For the record: If you're interested, here are some thoughts on the passing of Ned Beatty compliments of SciFiHistory.Net.
For the record: If you're interested, here are some thoughts on the passing of Ned Beatty compliments of SciFiHistory.Net.
Kudos to the great Rosemary Forsyth for undergoing some prosthetic makeup and entering the realm of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine during the program's run. Forsyth was born on this day in 1943. [Source: IMDB.com]
Ahna Capri did some wonderful guest work aboard such genre staples as The Wild Wild West, The Invaders, and Man From Atlantis. Though she's no longer with us, Capril was born on this day in 1944. [Source: IMDB.com]
Arguably, I'm one of the world biggest Batman/Superman fans, but -- sorry, peeps -- I just couldn't stand the campy television version of my youth. I appreciate good comedy as much as the next guy; still, some things are just too sacred to me. In any event, Burt Ward played the young 'Dick Grayson' (aka Robin) on the show, and kudos to him for always keeping it holy-bat-freak interesting. Ward was born on this day in 1945. [Source: IMDB.com]
The great Fred Dryer recently joined ABC TV's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. (albeit briefly), which affords us the ability to feature his talent in this space. Dryer was born on this day in 1946. [Source: IMDB.com]
Shelley Hack? Model-turned-actress Shelley Hack? She did SciFi? Well, she did have a guest appearance aboard NBC's SeaQuest, so let's just be thankful for such small favors as that means that lovely face is part and parcel of our fantastic realm. Hack was born on this day in 1947. [Source: IMDB.com]
I guess I'm going to have to "seek out and find" me a copy of the BBC's Utopia. It keeps popping up in my research, and I'm sadly completely unaware of the SciFi/Conspiracy drama. The lovely and talented Geraldine James has a role in it, and she also is credited with an appearance in Robot Overlords (2014), another release I've completely missed. James was born on this day in 1950. [Source: IMDB.com]
Comic book writer and artist John Byrne is no stranger to things Sci-Fi. He's dabbled in the worlds of the Fantastic Four, Superman, and the Green Lantern; and Star Trek fans know he's turned in some of the finer graphic novels since IDW Publishing took over that property's license. The man maintains his own website -- Byrne Robotics -- where he waxes on about any number of interesting topics. Byrne was born on this day in 1950. [Source: IMDB.com]
Talented actor Geoffrey Rush lent his voice to the wise character of 'Tomar-Re' in 2011's underwhelming Green Lantern (2011) motion picture from Warner Bros. Rush was born on this day in 1951. [Source: IMDB.com]
The artistically-inclined Rick Sternbach has contributed greatly to the visual look of Star Trek: The Next Generation, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, and Star Trek: Voyager. Sternbach was born on this day in 1951. [Source: IMDB.com]
Jennifer Savidge has really only dabbled in genre work throughout her impressive career. She's been seen aboard Lois & Clark: The New Adventures Of Superman, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, FreakyLinks, and Evolution (2001). Savidge was born on this day in 1952. [Source: IMDB.com]
Though his career of late has been a series of far more mainstream roles (dramas and comedies), Casey Sander has made appearances in such properties as V, Spaced Invaders, Predator 2, Quantum Leap, and Colony. Sander was born on this day in 1956. [Source: IMDB.com]
Kimberly Foster doesn't do much acting these days (well, that's if IMDB.com is any indication), but she was a great phenom during the 1980's and 90's. She enjoyed wonderful guest spots aboard Knight Rider and Quantum Leap, though, and that certainly bodes well for her gifts. Foster was born on this day in 1961. [Source: IMDB.com]
As of lately, the lovely Tracey Birdsall appears to be making a silver screen comeback. She enjoyed some modest success throughout the 1990's, and 2016 has seen her upping the action with a lead role aboard Rogue Warrior: Robot Fighter. Birdsall was born on this day in 1963. [Source: IMDB.com]
The venerable John Ottman has penned musical scores for such genre entries as X-Men 2 (2003), Fantastic Four (2005), Superman Returns (2006), and X-Men: Days Of Future Past (2014). Ottman was born on this day in 1964. [Source: IMDB.com]
Mark Mitchinson is a scene-stealing character actor who's been seen in such projects as Legend of the Seeker, Power Rangers R.P.M., Power Rangers Megaforce, The Hobbit: The Desolation Of Smaug (2013), The Hobbit: Battle Of The Five Armies (2014), Ash Vs Evil Dead, and The Shannara Chronicles. Mitchinson was born on this day in 1966. [Source: IMDB.com]
Funnyman Brian Posehn played it straight (mostly) in a small role aboard Fantastic 4: Rise of the Silver Surfer (2007). Posehn was born on this day in 1966. [Source: IMDB.com]
Brian Van Holt took a gamble with a big jump into Science Fiction waters when he took the role of Captain William Denninger (pictured above), the hunky, philandering lead to Syfy's miniseries Ascension. Unfortunately, the mini's ratings weren't deemed strong enough to have a subsequent series greenlit. Van Holt was born on this day in 1969. [Source: IMDB.com]
Gentlemen, you can thank me later! That lovely morsel is none other than for Miss Teen All-American winner Symba Smith. She dabbled in some film and TV projects, including a guest stint aboard fan-favorite Star Trek: Deep Space Nine where she was appropriately named 'Aluura.' Smith was born on this day in 1970. [Source: IMDB.com]
That rather distraught looking fellow is William Lee Scott, and he's apparently distraught over something he's done in the SciFi sleeper hit, The Butterfly Effect. Scott was born on this day in 1973. [Source: IMDB.com]
The talented Alessandro Juliani (above left) roared onto SciFiHistory.Net's radar with his work on Syfy's version of Battlestar Galactica, and he's since stuck on-the-scene with great appearances aboard Riverworld (2010), Smallville, Fringe, Man Of Steel (2013), Almost Human, The X-Files, Continuum, and The 100. Juliani was born on this day in 1975. [Source: IMDB.com]
Adam Busch had a somewhat mysterious role as a teacher up-to-something aboard USA Network's already pretty mysterious Colony during its inaugural season. Busch was born on this day in 1978. [Source: IMDB.com]
Funnyman Kevin Hart jumped feet first into the land of Fantasy with a lead role opposite 'The Rock' in Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (2017). Hart was born on this day in 1979. [Source: IMDB.com]
Though he's done very little by way of Science Fiction or Fantasy, the talented Abdul Salis did squeeze in a guest spot aboard the BBC's long-running Doctor Who. Salis was born on this day in 1979. [Source: IMDB.com]
Eva Green is one of the loveliest women working in genre entertainment these days. She tends to make some brave and bold choices, and -- to the delight of fanboys around the world -- she's not opposed to sharing a little skin from time to time. One of her most powerful performances so far as this viewer is concerned was the overlooked little Sci-Fi gem Perfect Sense, wherein the Apocalypse becomes an increasingly personal experience for her and co-star Ewan McGregor. (If you haven't seen it, then please do!) Green was born on this day in 1980. [Source: IMDB.com]
The comely Paula Labaredas is one of those actress/celebrities who has enjoyed some side success by appearing in various forms of cosplay at the appropriate venues. I've found her 'Slave Leia' to be particularly delightful. Labaredas was born on this day in 1982. [Source: IMDB.com]
In his youth, Brady Bluhm enjoyed a solid guest spot aboard "Time and Again," an episode of UPN's Star Trek: Voyager. Bluhm was born on this day in 1983. [Source: IMDB.com]
It's been awhile since young Gregory Smith has made an appearance in Science Fiction. Early in his career, he had roles in The Outer Limits, The Adventures of Captain Zoom in Outer Space, and M.A.N.T.I.S. Hopefully, he'll find his way back to our fold soon. Smith was born on this day in 1983. [Source: IMDB.com]
Matt O'Leary joined Danielle Panabaker in the SciFi-themed Time Lapse, the story of young people who discover a camera which takes pictures 24 hours into the future. O'Leary was born on this day in 1987. [Source: IMDB.com]
Singer and actress Brittany Underwood recently created some buzz with a performance aboard the SciFi/Horror anthology film The Dark Tapes (2017). Underwood was born on this day in 1988. [Source: IMDB.com]
The comely Linda Bella and her long, long legs might be more recognized for roles in the Horror genre, but the SciFi/Horror hybrid Ratpocalypse (2015) is definitely more of our speed. Bella was born on this day in 1992. [Source: IMDB.com]
The young Robert Naylor (seated) found fame and Science Fiction by way of a role aboard Syfy's Helix as well as other work aboard Being Human, Immortals (2011), and Ascension. Naylor was born on this day in 1996. [Source: IMDB.com]
Writer/director David Cronenberg certainly has a way with weird cinema, and on this day in 1975 he released Shivers (aka They Come From Within) to audiences. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The residents of a suburban high-rise apartment building are being infected by a strain of parasites that turn them into mindless, sex-crazed fiends out to infect others by the slightest sexual contact."
"The residents of a suburban high-rise apartment building are being infected by a strain of parasites that turn them into mindless, sex-crazed fiends out to infect others by the slightest sexual contact."
On this day in 1984 (in the United Kingdom), Mutant (aka Dark Shadows) came to life. The feature starred Wings Hauser and Bo Hopkins, and here's the premise that's listen on IMDB.com:
"Two brothers discover that the residents of a small Southern town are being infected by a form of toxic waste, turning them into blood-ravenous zombies."
"Two brothers discover that the residents of a small Southern town are being infected by a form of toxic waste, turning them into blood-ravenous zombies."
On this day in 1990, George Jetson took Jane and the rest of his gang from the boob tube up onto the silver screen as Jetsons: The Movie premiered in theatres. Here's the plot summary, compliments of IMDB.com:
"George Jetson is forced to uproot his family when Mr. Spacely promotes him to take charge of a new factory on a distant planet."
"George Jetson is forced to uproot his family when Mr. Spacely promotes him to take charge of a new factory on a distant planet."
On this day in 2001 (in Japan), Beneath Loch Ness came up for a cinematic breath of fresh air. The feature starred Patrick Bergin and Lysette Anthony, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The legendary Loch Ness Monster, terrorizes a lake in Scotland and Patrick Bergin comes out to kill it."
"The legendary Loch Ness Monster, terrorizes a lake in Scotland and Patrick Bergin comes out to kill it."
On this day in 2004 (in the Netherlands), the SciFi/Horror hybrid Phantom Force enjoyed its debut on home video. The feature starred Richard Grieco and Tangi Miller, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"A squad of soldiers must protect the human race from the supernatural."
"A squad of soldiers must protect the human race from the supernatural."
On this day in 2011, Alien Armageddon rained down death and destruction on mankind (theatrically). The feature starred Katharine Lee McEwan and Marilyn Ghigliotti, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"The story of Jodie Elliot, a young woman who is trying to find her daughter in a city controlled by an invading alien army."
"The story of Jodie Elliot, a young woman who is trying to find her daughter in a city controlled by an invading alien army."
On this day in 2015 (in the United Kingdom), Killersaurus lumbered into existence. The feature starred Julian Boote and Helen Crevel, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"When a scientist runs short of funding for his life-saving medical Bio-Printing research, he accepts an offer of investment from a shadowy military organisation. In return, he is forced to use his technology to create the ultimate battlefield weapon - a full size Tyrannosaures Rex. After a horrific accident in which the dinosaur massacres his research team, the scientist shuts down the project. However, his investors demand results and it can only be a matter of time before the deadly T-Rex is unleashed upon the world."
"When a scientist runs short of funding for his life-saving medical Bio-Printing research, he accepts an offer of investment from a shadowy military organisation. In return, he is forced to use his technology to create the ultimate battlefield weapon - a full size Tyrannosaures Rex. After a horrific accident in which the dinosaur massacres his research team, the scientist shuts down the project. However, his investors demand results and it can only be a matter of time before the deadly T-Rex is unleashed upon the world."
It all began right here: on this day in 1987, the BBC's Star Cops aired its very first episode. The drama was titled "An Instinct For Murder," and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Nathan Spring is cajoled into applying for the new post of commanding the International Space Police. On his first trip out into space he meets David Theroux, who is suspicious about a spate of spacesuit failures."
"Nathan Spring is cajoled into applying for the new post of commanding the International Space Police. On his first trip out into space he meets David Theroux, who is suspicious about a spate of spacesuit failures."
On this day in 2001, Stargate: SG-1 aired "Threshold." This served as the second episode to the long-running program's fifth season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"To help Teal'c mind clear again, SG-1 asks Bra'tac to help. Bra'tac removes Teal'c's Gou'ald and Teal'c is forced to remember certain memories of his past. The real Teal'c in the end. SG-1 is glad to have him back."
"To help Teal'c mind clear again, SG-1 asks Bra'tac to help. Bra'tac removes Teal'c's Gou'ald and Teal'c is forced to remember certain memories of his past. The real Teal'c in the end. SG-1 is glad to have him back."
On this day in 2002, Mutant X finished out its first season with the airing of "Dancing on the Razor." This served as its twenty-second episode, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Mutant X and Genomex are both captured on film using their powers, and they both have to deal with the reporter who plans to go public with the information."
"Mutant X and Genomex are both captured on film using their powers, and they both have to deal with the reporter who plans to go public with the information."
On this day in 2007, Doctor Who launched into its third season with the airing of "The Runaway Bride." According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The Doctor is baffled when a young woman is transported to the TARDIS on her wedding day, and attempts to find out how she is connected to an alien plot to destroy Earth."
"The Doctor is baffled when a young woman is transported to the TARDIS on her wedding day, and attempts to find out how she is connected to an alien plot to destroy Earth."
Continuing with its third season premiere event back in 2007, Doctor Who aired "Smith And Jones." According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"When the hospital she works at is transported to the moon, medical student Martha Jones joins forces with The Doctor to hunt down an alien fugitive before the oxygen runs out."
"When the hospital she works at is transported to the moon, medical student Martha Jones joins forces with The Doctor to hunt down an alien fugitive before the oxygen runs out."
On this day in 2008, Space Hospital aired "Reading, Writing, Reactionary." This served as the fifth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary that's provided by YouTube.com:
"Space Hospital delights in the beautiful destruction of information as Nurse Ratknee and Veem Aknar trade sexy phonics shenanigans in Ratknee's quarters."
"Space Hospital delights in the beautiful destruction of information as Nurse Ratknee and Veem Aknar trade sexy phonics shenanigans in Ratknee's quarters."
On this day in 2013, TNT's Falling Skies aired "Exodus." This served as the third episode of the program's fourth season, and here's the plot summary as detailed by IMDB.com:
"Tom and the 2nd Mass hatch an elaborate plan to escape the confines of the Espheni Ghetto. Meanwhile back in Chinatown, after learning from Ben that Lexi has been keeping a deadly secret, Maggie confronts Lexi publicly. At the Espheni Youth Camp, Matt tries to talk Mira out of a dangerous escape plan. While trekking through the woods with her guerrilla fighters, Anne has a flashback to her time in the Espheni Tower with Karen, where a terrifying secret about Lexi is revealed."
"Tom and the 2nd Mass hatch an elaborate plan to escape the confines of the Espheni Ghetto. Meanwhile back in Chinatown, after learning from Ben that Lexi has been keeping a deadly secret, Maggie confronts Lexi publicly. At the Espheni Youth Camp, Matt tries to talk Mira out of a dangerous escape plan. While trekking through the woods with her guerrilla fighters, Anne has a flashback to her time in the Espheni Tower with Karen, where a terrifying secret about Lexi is revealed."
On this day in 2017, The Ministry of Time aired "Tiempo de esclavos." This served as the sixth episode of the program's third season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A race against time to save King Alfonso XII from an early death gets out of hand. As the Ministry is forced into Spain's dark past in the slave trade, the discovery of an anti-monarchist plot hits Amelia far too close."
"A race against time to save King Alfonso XII from an early death gets out of hand. As the Ministry is forced into Spain's dark past in the slave trade, the discovery of an anti-monarchist plot hits Amelia far too close."
On this day in 2017, Zoo aired "Diaspora." This served as the second episode of the program's third season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Jackson and Logan discover a link between the hybrid attacks that occur in Portland and New York; Mitch is interrogated by a woman claiming to be his daughter, Clementine; and a new development in Abraham's research into the sterility crisis endangers his family."
"Jackson and Logan discover a link between the hybrid attacks that occur in Portland and New York; Mitch is interrogated by a woman claiming to be his daughter, Clementine; and a new development in Abraham's research into the sterility crisis endangers his family."
