While she's generally known for much more serious fare, actress Jeanne Tripplehorn dipped her feet into SciFi when she starred alongside Kevin Costner in the box office bomb Waterworld -- which, to be fair, I enjoyed quite a bit. Plus, she showed us her butt in the film, so it's a win-win. (Please: if she was using a butt double, keep it to yourself, fans.) Tripplehorn was born on this day in 1963. [Source: IMDB.com]
The first time I saw it, I honestly figured Space:1999 just wasn't for me. Costumes and sets appeared a bit too retro for my tastes, but then -- at the suggestion from an online friend -- I gave it another go. Heck, before I did, I even did some reading up on the program so that I better understood some of the characters, relationships, etc. I'm glad I did because the first season of the show is actually quite good. Sure, it has some clunkers, but overall it's very impressive. On it, Barry Morse played the venerable Professor Victor Bergman. Though he's no longer with us, Morse was born on this day in 1918. [Source: IMDB.com]
For a certain generation of movie fans, there never was a silver screen Fantasy bigger than The Wizard Of Oz (1939). I have a recollection of my parents making us kids watch it when we were very, and it probably meant more to them than it ever did to me. Maybe they took that admiration for it from their parents? I'll never know. In any event, the film was the centerpiece to Judy Garland's career; and the lady did a fabulous job bringing 'Dorothy' to life. Though she's no longer with us, Garland was born on this day in 1922. [Source: IMDB.com]
Take note: Luciana Paluzzi has forgotten more about being sexy than modern cinema queens may ever learn! As Dr. Lisa Benson, she fought to keep our planet safe from The Green Slime (1968). And -- for the record -- she was also Fiona in the 1965 James Bond adventure, Thunderball. Paluzzi was born on this day in 1938.
In 1995, the great Jurgen Prochnow shared the screen with no less than Sylvester Stallone in the horrifically tepid adaptation of Judge Dredd. Still, the man proved he can chew scenery as well as the Italian Stallion. Prochnow was born on this day in 1941.
If you're only going to see Mars once, then make sure it's a memorable visit! Such is the case for character actor Mickey Jones who in 1990 shared the screen with Arnold Schwarzenegger in the unforgettable Total Recall. Though he's no longer with us, Jones was born on this day in 1941.
I'm mostly unfamiliar with the works of Kage Baker, but Wikipedia.org tells me she trafficked knowledgeably in the realms of Science Fiction and Fantasy. I have read her seminal In The Garden Of Iden, but it honestly didn't do much for me as a reader. Though she's no longer with us, Baker was born on this day in 1952.
With an IMDB.com fast approaching one hundred different screen projects, Andrew Stevens has likely done and seen it all. His journeys into Science Fiction and Fantasy have been reasonably slim: The Fury (1978), The Terror Within (1989), The Terror Within II (1991), Swamp Thing, Munchie (1992), Munchie Strikes Back (1992), The Kid With The X-Ray Eyes (1999), Venomous (2001), and Mongolian Death Worm (2010). Stevens was born on this day in 1955. [Source: IMDB.com]
The luminous Gina Gershon gets nothing but praise from the likes of me: she's done fabulous, fabulous work whenever given the chance, though her career is largely built on roles in somewhat conventional fields. Still, kudos to the lovely lady for mucking it up aboard Syfy's Z Nation during its run. Gershon was born on this day in 1962. [Source: IMDB.com]
Andrew Niccol is the man who made his directorial debut with the script he penned for 1997's memorable SciFi entry Gattaca. He also wrote and directed the similarly-themed In Time in 2011; and, in 2013, he adapted and directed Stephanie Meyer's The Host for the silver screen. As genre works go, that's a none-too-shabby resume! Niccol was born on this day in 1964. [Source: IMDB.com]
I've not seen the cinematic adaptation of the video game Doom, largely because the reviews assured me it really wasn't worth all of the effort. In it, Ben Daniels played Goat, one of the Space Marines sent to investigate some strange goings-on on the planet Mars. Daniels was born on this day in 1964.
German actress Veronica Ferres is known as being both critically and commercially popular, scoring higher in her native country as a style icon than world-renowned Heidi Klum. Alas (as can happen with IMDB.com), most of her screen credits are in the German language only (and I can't translate them), but I did notice she had a supporting role in Sapphire Blue (2014), a screen Fantasy geared more toward the youth than adults. Ferres was born on this day in 1965. [Source: IMDB.com]
I think it's safe to say that Elizabeth Hurley has always had the power to captivate others ... so why not put those singular abilities to good use as a villainess for a Marvel property the way she did in 2019 with her role aboard Runaways? Good on you, milady! Hurley was born on this day in 1965. [Source: IMDB.com]
Comedian, actor, and podcaster Bill Burr had the good fortune of being cast in the wide, wide world of Star Wars with a guest spot aboard Disney's popular The Mandalorian during its run on the streaming service. Burr was born on this day in 1968. [Source: IMDB.com]
Mike Dopud has one of those faces you immediately recognize because he's been around a handful of quality franchises but only appeared in smaller, more character-driven roles. For example, he's been a part of Stargate: Universe, Continuum, Battlestar Galactica, Grimm, Warehouse 13, Caprica, Smallville, Stargate: Atlantis, Jeremiah, Millennium, and Harsh Realm. See what I mean? Dopud was born on this day in 1968.
Though it's clear that much of her work in the entertainment involves more conventional fare, Nicole Bilderback did give Science Fiction a chance with a recurring role aboard Fox TV's Dark Angel. Bilderback was born on this day in 1975.
Unless I miss my guess, DJ Qualls will always look like a teenager. (Not that there's anything wrong with that!) The actor made a splash as part of the ensemble trying to save our planet in 2003's The Core. He's also appeared in Lost, Supernatural, Z Nation, and Amazon's visionary The Man In The High Castle. Qualls was born on this day in 1978.
Playing Tom Sawyer, Shane West found himself being tutored by the learned Allan Quatermain (played by Sean Connery) in The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen (2003). West was born on this day in 1978.
One of Jonathan Bennett's earliest roles was playing one of Smallville's "meteor freaks," posing problems for a young Clark Kent on the popular WB program. Bennett was born on this day in 1981.
In her youth, Leelee Sobieski appeared alongside Elijah Wood as they braved both young love and a near Apocalypse in Mimi Leder's Deep Impact. Sobieski was born on this day in 1983.
In 2010, Susannah Fielding helped the BBC's Doctor Who deliver the curious "Victory of the Daleks." She's since gone on to a wealth of appearances with fewer aliens, cyborgs, and such, though methinks fanboys would definitely welcome her back into the fold. Fielding was born on this day in 1985.
The lovely Celina Jade enjoys a great recurring role aboard the CW's signature superhero drama, Arrow. Jade was born on this day in 1985.
The young boy in the middle there? The one in the suit? That's Joey Zimmerman, and he was one of the stars of the popular cult series, Earth 2. Zimmerman was born on this day in 1986.
The luscious Tristin Mays made a few guest appearances as part of Supergirl's inaugural season on CBS. Mays was born on this day in 1990.
Lithuanian born Bria Vinaite enjoyed some guest work (opposite Brit Marling) aboard the Netflix Fantasy/Serial The OA during its run. Vinaite was born on this day in 1993. [Source: IMDB.com]
A star is born! On this day in 1953, Robot Monster lumbered its way into a limited theatrical premiere. (Full U.S. release would follow a few weeks later.) Directed by Phil Tucker, the SciFi release starred George Nader, Claudia Barrett, and Selena Royle, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Ro-Man, an alien that looks remarkably like a gorilla in a diving helmet, has destroyed all but six people on the planet Earth. He spends the entire film trying to finish off these survivors, but complications arise when he falls for the young woman in the group."
For the record:
Can you believe it? No Academy Award wins? I kid, I kid. But Robot Monster -- according to IMDB.com -- is not without a 'first' all of its own as the website's trivia section contains a few nuggets worth mentioning. Apparently, this motion picture was the first Science Fiction film to use stereophonic sound. Furthermore, it's suggested that Robot Monster was actually a very profitable venture for producers: shot on a budget of a mere $20,000, it ended up grossing more than one million dollars ... and that's an exceptional return for a reasonable small investment. Lastly, the 1980 Golden Turkey Awards (a book) claims that the central beast of the film took home the title of 'The Most Ridiculous Monster In Movie History.' Move along, folks ... nothing to see here!
"Ro-Man, an alien that looks remarkably like a gorilla in a diving helmet, has destroyed all but six people on the planet Earth. He spends the entire film trying to finish off these survivors, but complications arise when he falls for the young woman in the group."
For the record:
Can you believe it? No Academy Award wins? I kid, I kid. But Robot Monster -- according to IMDB.com -- is not without a 'first' all of its own as the website's trivia section contains a few nuggets worth mentioning. Apparently, this motion picture was the first Science Fiction film to use stereophonic sound. Furthermore, it's suggested that Robot Monster was actually a very profitable venture for producers: shot on a budget of a mere $20,000, it ended up grossing more than one million dollars ... and that's an exceptional return for a reasonable small investment. Lastly, the 1980 Golden Turkey Awards (a book) claims that the central beast of the film took home the title of 'The Most Ridiculous Monster In Movie History.' Move along, folks ... nothing to see here!
A star is born! On this day in 1955, the SciFi classic This Island Earth enjoyed its original theatrical debut in New York City, New York. Directed by Joseph F. Newman and Jack Arnold, the feature starred Rex Reason, Jeff Morrow, and Faith Domergue; and here's the premise from IMDB.com:
"Aliens come to Earth seeking scientists to help them in their war."
For the record:
In 2007, the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films nominated This Island Earth's 2007 home video release in the category of 'Best DVD Classic Film Release.'
"Aliens come to Earth seeking scientists to help them in their war."
For the record:
In 2007, the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films nominated This Island Earth's 2007 home video release in the category of 'Best DVD Classic Film Release.'
On this day in 1960 (in Mexico), One of history's films with the longest title ever -- The Saga Of The Viking Women And Their Voyage To The Waters Of The Great Sea Serpent (whew!) -- enjoyed a run in theatres. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A group of lonely Viking women build a ship and set off across the sea to locate their missing menfolk, only to fall into the clutches of the barbarians that also hold their men captive. There is a cameo appearance by the sea serpent."
"A group of lonely Viking women build a ship and set off across the sea to locate their missing menfolk, only to fall into the clutches of the barbarians that also hold their men captive. There is a cameo appearance by the sea serpent."
On this day in 1974 (in Italy), The Crazies brought their craziness to the theatrical marketplace. The SciFi feature starred Lane Carroll and Will MacMillan, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"The military attempts to contain a manmade combat virus that causes death and permanent insanity in those infected, as it overtakes a small Pennsylvania town."
"The military attempts to contain a manmade combat virus that causes death and permanent insanity in those infected, as it overtakes a small Pennsylvania town."
A star is born! On this day in 1983, 2020 Texas Gladiators enjoyed a limited theatrical release across the United States. The feature starred Al Cliver and Harrison Muller, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In a post-apocalyptic Texas, a band of warriors fight against a fascist regime that is trying to take control of all surviving population."
"In a post-apocalyptic Texas, a band of warriors fight against a fascist regime that is trying to take control of all surviving population."
On this day in 1998 (in Finland), the 1931-produced Universal Monsters Classic Frankenstein enjoyed its premiere on Finnish television. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Henry Frankenstein is a doctor who is trying to discover a way to make the dead walk. He succeeds and creates a monster that has to deal with living again."
"Henry Frankenstein is a doctor who is trying to discover a way to make the dead walk. He succeeds and creates a monster that has to deal with living again."
A star is born! On this day in 2008 (in New York City, New York), The Happening started throwing people off the top of buildings with its silver screen premiere in the U.S. Written and directed by M. Night Shyamalan, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Mark Wahlberg, Zooey Deschanel, and Ashlyn Sanchez; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A science teacher, his wife, and a young girl struggle to survive a plague that causes those infected to commit suicide."
For the record:
At their 2009 Saturn Awards ceremony, the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films honored The Happening with a nomination for 'Best Horror Film.'
"A science teacher, his wife, and a young girl struggle to survive a plague that causes those infected to commit suicide."
For the record:
At their 2009 Saturn Awards ceremony, the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films honored The Happening with a nomination for 'Best Horror Film.'
A star is born! On this day in 2009 (in Japan), Reptisaurus enjoyed its original premiere on home video. Directed by Christopher Ray, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Gil Gerard and Michelle Draper, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"When a group of friends get stranded on a seemingly deserted island, they soon realize that they're not alone."
"When a group of friends get stranded on a seemingly deserted island, they soon realize that they're not alone."
On this day in 2011, Bloodrayne: The Third Reich played for audiences of the Another Hole In The Head Film Festival. The feature starred Natassia Malthe and Brendan Fletcher, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Rayne fights against the Nazis in Europe during World War II, encountering Ekart Brand, a Nazi leader whose target is to inject Adolf Hitler with Rayne's blood in an attempt to transform him into a dhampir and attain immortality."
"Rayne fights against the Nazis in Europe during World War II, encountering Ekart Brand, a Nazi leader whose target is to inject Adolf Hitler with Rayne's blood in an attempt to transform him into a dhampir and attain immortality."
On this day in 2011, JJ Abrams' surprising vacuous and perplexing Super 8 -- his admitted homage to the kind of good and coherent storytelling he's yet to achieve -- opened theatrically. The stinker starred a veritable cavalry of forgettable tweens, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"During the summer of 1979, a group of friends witness a train crash and investigate subsequent unexplained events in their small town."
"During the summer of 1979, a group of friends witness a train crash and investigate subsequent unexplained events in their small town."
On this day in 1960, The Twilight Zone aired "The After Hours." This served as the thirty-fourth episode to the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A woman is treated badly by some odd salespeople on an otherwise empty department store floor."
"A woman is treated badly by some odd salespeople on an otherwise empty department store floor."
On this day in 1967, Doctor Who aired "The Evil of the Daleks: Part 4." This served as the fortieth episode of the program's fourth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Jamie and Kemel team up to try and find Victoria, while the Doctor and the Daleks continue to monitor their progress."
For the record: According to Wikipedia.org, it would appear that Doctor Who's "The Evil Of The Daleks" remains one of those serials lost to history having been wiped from the BBC Archives late in the 1960's.
"Jamie and Kemel team up to try and find Victoria, while the Doctor and the Daleks continue to monitor their progress."
For the record: According to Wikipedia.org, it would appear that Doctor Who's "The Evil Of The Daleks" remains one of those serials lost to history having been wiped from the BBC Archives late in the 1960's.
On this day in 1972, Doctor Who aired "The Time Monster: Part 4." This served as the twenty-fourth episode of the program's ninth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The Master prepares to travel back to Atlantis but the Doctor links his TARDIS to the Master's to try and stop him."
"The Master prepares to travel back to Atlantis but the Doctor links his TARDIS to the Master's to try and stop him."
On this day in 1991, the original run of television's Twin Peaks bowed out of its broadcast existence with the airing of its season two finale. (Fans of the show know that it was eventually 'revived' via Showtime a few decades later.) According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Agent Cooper follows Windom Earle and Annie into the depths of the Black Lodge. Big Ed and Norma get a shock when Nadine suffers head trauma. Andrew and Pete unlock Eckhardt's final box and Audrey stages an act of civil disobedience."
"Agent Cooper follows Windom Earle and Annie into the depths of the Black Lodge. Big Ed and Norma get a shock when Nadine suffers head trauma. Andrew and Pete unlock Eckhardt's final box and Audrey stages an act of civil disobedience."
On this day in 1995, Bugs aired "Pulse." This served as the tenth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary that's provided via IMDB.com:
"Whilst investigating the disappearance of several company executives, Ed, Ros and Beckett stumble on to a plan to destroy the economic centers of London and Geneva, devised by a criminal mastermind."
"Whilst investigating the disappearance of several company executives, Ed, Ros and Beckett stumble on to a plan to destroy the economic centers of London and Geneva, devised by a criminal mastermind."
On this day in 1995, William Shatner's TekWar aired "Deep Cover." This served as the eleventh episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"A powerful mob family are determined to be the reigning family and get access to a nuclear arsenal. Jake's new partner agrees to infiltrate this family. Things go awry and Jake has to try to save her from being killed."
"A powerful mob family are determined to be the reigning family and get access to a nuclear arsenal. Jake's new partner agrees to infiltrate this family. Things go awry and Jake has to try to save her from being killed."
On this day in 1995, TV's Weird Science aired "What Genie?" This served as the ninth episode of the program's third season, and here's the plot summary that's listed on IMDB.com:
"Phoebe, a friend of Wyatt's, learns about Lisa, takes control of her, wipes the boys' memories of Lisa and ends up with her own national talk show."
"Phoebe, a friend of Wyatt's, learns about Lisa, takes control of her, wipes the boys' memories of Lisa and ends up with her own national talk show."
On this day in 1998, Babylon 5 aired "And All My Dreams, Torn Asunder." This served as the sixteenth episode of the program's fifth (and final) season, and here's the plot summary that's been provided by IMDB.com:
"The Alliance show the member worlds evidence of the Centauri actions, while Londo and Vir are in their room with copies of the evidence. Eventually they're let into the meeting, where they all see the evidence Lennier gathered. Sheridan comes up with a plan to peacefully enforce a blockade, but Garibaldi's issues jeopardize his plans."
"The Alliance show the member worlds evidence of the Centauri actions, while Londo and Vir are in their room with copies of the evidence. Eventually they're let into the meeting, where they all see the evidence Lennier gathered. Sheridan comes up with a plan to peacefully enforce a blockade, but Garibaldi's issues jeopardize his plans."
On this day in 1998, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine aired "The Sound Of Her Voice." This served as the twenty-fifth episode in the program's sixth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"As the Defiant races to a shipwrecked officer who is days away, the crew keeps in contact with her. Meanwhile, Jake follows Quark's latest scheme for story research."
"As the Defiant races to a shipwrecked officer who is days away, the crew keeps in contact with her. Meanwhile, Jake follows Quark's latest scheme for story research."
First airing ever! On this day in 2006 (in the United Kingdom), Doctor Who aired "The Satan Pit." Officially, this served as the ninth episode in the program's second season (Modern Era), and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The Doctor risks his life to investigate the pit and is forced to make a terrible decision, while Rose and the crew fend for their lives against the Legion of the Beast."
"The Doctor risks his life to investigate the pit and is forced to make a terrible decision, while Rose and the crew fend for their lives against the Legion of the Beast."
On this day in 2007 (in Hungary), Firefly aired "Serenity." Officially, this served as the eleventh episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Malcolm Reynolds is a veteran and the captain of Serenity. He and his crew are smuggling goods, but they need to pick up some passengers for extra money. However, not all the passengers are what they seem."
"Malcolm Reynolds is a veteran and the captain of Serenity. He and his crew are smuggling goods, but they need to pick up some passengers for extra money. However, not all the passengers are what they seem."
On this day in 2017 (in the US and Canada), Orphan Black aired "The Few Who Dare." Officially, this served as the first episode in the program's fifth (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Desperate to get off the island and reunite with her family, a wounded Sarah journeys into the island's interior, only to discover a mysterious village - the beating heart of the Neolution agenda."
"Desperate to get off the island and reunite with her family, a wounded Sarah journeys into the island's interior, only to discover a mysterious village - the beating heart of the Neolution agenda."
On this day in 2018, HBO's Westworld aired "Kiksuya." This served as the eighth episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The telling of Akecheta and the Ghost Nation's journey to consciousness; Maeve's life hangs in the balance."
"The telling of Akecheta and the Ghost Nation's journey to consciousness; Maeve's life hangs in the balance."
On this day in 2020, The 100 aired "Hesperides." Officially, this served as the fourth episode in the program's seventh (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Mysterious outsiders arrive with news of Clarke's missing people."
"Mysterious outsiders arrive with news of Clarke's missing people."
On this day in 1940, The Adventures Of Superman radio serial began "Horace Morton's Weather Machine." This serial aired from this day through June 21st, and here's the (edited) premise from the Superman Homepage (link):
"Lois Lane's Uncle Horace Morton is a professor in meteorology. His observatory is located on top of Music Mountain outside of New Birmingham. Morton lives alone in the observatory with his assistant Elmer Rogers. Morton's weather predictions in the past year have been 100% accurate, and Perry White wants Lois and Clark Kent to find out how."
"Lois Lane's Uncle Horace Morton is a professor in meteorology. His observatory is located on top of Music Mountain outside of New Birmingham. Morton lives alone in the observatory with his assistant Elmer Rogers. Morton's weather predictions in the past year have been 100% accurate, and Perry White wants Lois and Clark Kent to find out how."
On this day in 1946, The Adventures Of Superman radio serial began "Clan Of The Fiery Cross." This serial aired from this day through July 1st, and here's the (edited) plot summary from the Superman Homepage (link):
"Clark Kent and Jimmy Olsen are taking a cab on a sunny afternoon in Metropolis. Clark is covering a story for the Daily Planet, and Jimmy is going to baseball practice for the Unity House team in which he manages. Two boys, Tommy Lee and Chuck Riggs, are fighting when Jimmy arrives. Chuck has been acting like a sore loser since Tommy, who just moved into the neighborhood, replaced him as number one pitcher on the squad. During practice, Chuck crowds the home plate and gets hit in the head by a ball thrown by Tommy. Chuck believes Tommy did it on purpose, and Jimmy is forced to remove the former from the team because of his attitude toward Tommy."
"Clark Kent and Jimmy Olsen are taking a cab on a sunny afternoon in Metropolis. Clark is covering a story for the Daily Planet, and Jimmy is going to baseball practice for the Unity House team in which he manages. Two boys, Tommy Lee and Chuck Riggs, are fighting when Jimmy arrives. Chuck has been acting like a sore loser since Tommy, who just moved into the neighborhood, replaced him as number one pitcher on the squad. During practice, Chuck crowds the home plate and gets hit in the head by a ball thrown by Tommy. Chuck believes Tommy did it on purpose, and Jimmy is forced to remove the former from the team because of his attitude toward Tommy."
On this day in 1951, The Shadow radio serial aired "The Curator of Murder." According to our friends on The Shadow Wiki, the tale was written by SciFi's Alfred Bester but details on the plot have been sadly lost to history.
