If science fiction had an 'it' girl, then the lovely Zoe Saldana would certainly qualify. She's ruled the romantic roost in the latest version of the Star Trek universe by making Uhura both commanding and sexy again; and James Cameron made her look good in blue when he cast her as his signature Na'vi in Avatar. In the summer of 2014, she lit up screens once more as Gamora in Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy. Saldana was born on this day in 1978.
Most folks who know the name Julius Schwartz really only think of him as a comic book writer (no insult), but he did so much more than just write them: he's arguably one of the editors most responsible for printed Science Fiction and considered a contemporary of such other names as Alfred Bester, H.P. Lovecraft, Harlan Ellison, and Ray Bradbury. Furthermore, he had a hand in fostering some of the greater talent of DC Comics throughout his over four decades with the company. Those interested can check out his Wikipedia.org citations right here. Though he's no longer with us, Schwartz was born on this day in 1915.
The late Karin Booth enjoyed a bit of screen time aboard the curious Tobor The Great (1954) for good measure. Though she's no longer with us, Booth was born on this day in 1916. [Source: IMDB.com]
If you've missed 1982's Swamp Thing, then you really have missed one of the finer B-movies of the entire 80's big screen phenomenon. Granted, the flick may not have held up that well with the passage of time, but that doesn't diminish its subtle greatness. In it, screen veteran Louis Jourdan played Dr. Anton Arcane -- the nemesis to the Swamp Thing itself. Though he's no longer with us, Jourdan was born on this day in 1921.
Italian-born Pier Angeli left our world far too soon. She enjoyed a somewhat storied career in her just over two decades of work, and her last credited screen role in filmdom's Octaman definitely put her squarely in the realm of Science Fiction and Fantasy. Though she's no longer with us, Angeli was born on this day in 1932. [Source: IMDB.com]
You say you played a Ferengi? Then, you deserve a citation! Such is the case for Jake Dengel who -- under a lot of make-up and costuming -- brought one of the original Ferengi to life aboard an episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation. Though he's no longer with us, Dengel was born on this day in 1933. [Source: IMDB.com]
During his time in the biz, the great Derren Nesbitt scored quality appearances aboard both Doctor Who (above right) and the cult(ish) UFO (above left). Nesbitt was born on this day in 1935.
Though it would appear that she's mostly interested in voice-acting opportunities these days, the lovely Jennifer Darling was definitely a staple of television during my youth. She made appearances aboard The Six Million Dollar Man, The Bionic Woman, Wonder Woman, and The Incredible Hulk. Darling was born on this day in 1946.
Why so blue, girl? For those of you who don't know, I've been in love with Virginia Hey since she appeared as Warrior Woman in George Miller's epic The Road Warrior (above left) back in 1981. The fact that she practically painted herself blue to become Pa'u Zhaan on Syfy's Farscape (above right) was the icing on the cake! Hey was born on this day in 1952.
Poor Sadie Frost went over to the dark side of things with her work aboard Bram Stoker's Dracula (1992). Interestingly enough, she also served as one of the producers for the SciFi/Fantasy film Sky Captain And The World Of Tomorrow (2004). Frost was born on this day in 1965. [Source: IMDB.com]
Though Andrew Laurer has a solid 60+ individual screen credits to his professional career, I suspect that fans of Science Fiction and Fantasy will remember him most for his work aboard Screamers (1995) with Peter Weller. Lauer was born on this day in 1965. [Source: IMDB.com]
Hollywood, take note: Mia Sara doesn't get enough work. This fresh-faced lady shared the silver screen with no less than Tom Cruise (in Legend), but it wasn't until she showed up alongside (cough cough) leading man Jean-Claude Van Damme in Timecop that she truly embraced our genre. Sara was born on this day in 1967 ... and let's see about getting her a franchise, please?
Unfortunately, I have not been able to appreciate Nacho Fresneda's work aboard the singular Time Travel series El ministerio del tiempo mostly because it's only been broadcast in its original Spanish/Portuguese spoken language ... which I don't speak. (This is the program for which NBC recently settled out-of-court as it was alleged that their Timeless descends from it.) Fresneda was born on this day in 1971.
You may've missed it, but -- while you were watching -- Alan Van Sprang has become a bit of a giant among genre franchises. He's been a part of Viper, Highlander: The Raven, PSI Factor: Chronicles of the Paranormal, Code Name: Eternity, Earth: Final Conflict, Mutant X, Starhunter, and ReGenesis. Van Sprang was born on this day in 1971.
I've always been a fan of Robin Tunney's work. Granted, I don't think she's been involved in some of the smartest projects under the sun, but she's always brought a strength and individuality to the role she assumes. SciFi fans might recognize her from appearances in Supernova, The Twilight Zone, and End of Days. Tunney was born on this day in 1972.
As an actress, the lovely Chelah Horsdal maintains the kind of presence Science Fiction could always use more of. Fans have praised her work aboard Andromeda, The Dead Zone, The 4400, Stargate: SG-1, Battlestar Galactica, and Amazon's pretty epic The Man In The High Castle. Horsdal was born on this day in 1973.
Dare I suggest that a face like Jennifer Siebel Newsom just screams "royalty"? The lovely actress appeared as Queen Ma'at aboard the Fantasy-themed Abelar: Tales Of An Ancient Empire (2010). Newsom was born on this day in 1974.
One of Bumper Robinson's earliest gigs was playing the alien child Zammis aboard 1985's fondly remembered Enemy Mine. These days, the actor can be found behind-the-microphone contributing voice work to such projects as Legion of Superheroes, Transformers: Animated, and Avengers Assemble. Robinson was born on this day in 1974.
I missed Steven Spielberg's alien abduction miniseries, Taken, when it originally aired on television. I couldn't say why exactly -- it's definitely a subject matter that interests me -- but I do know that I'm not really interested in paying what retailers want for a DVD set to catch up on it. However, Ryan Hurst had a role in it; though he's better remember for his work in FX's Sons of Anarchy, I'll be thrilled to see what he does with the role once I get around to it. Hurst was born on this day in 1976.
Dreamy Mia Maestro first came to my attention as part of the Jennifer Garner-led Alias a few years back, and I was glad to see her back in the genre-business in FX's SciFi-lite The Strain. Maestro was born on this day in 1978.
Neil Brown Jr. geared up and marched into the fray to save our planet against the invading extraterrestrial hordes in the 2011 sleeper hit Battle: Los Angeles. The actor was born on this day in 1980.
Lauren Lee Smith was one of the powerful ensemble bringing the cult series Mutant X to some modest acclaim. Since then, she's also scored supporting roles in The Twilight Zone, The Dead Zone, Blade: The Series, and (most recently) Syfy's Ascension miniseries. Smith was born on this day in 1980.
Franch actress Clémentine Poidatz enjoyed a trip to Mars as part of the fictionalized docuseries that examined what awaits mankind if and when it travels to the red planet. Poidatz was born on this day in 1981. [Source: IMDB.com]
English-born Gabriella Wright continues to impress even in the smallest roles. Genre fans might recognize her from the appearance in The CW's popular Arrow program during its run. Wright was born on this day in 1982. [Source: IMDB.com]
In all fairness, the majority of Helen George's career is grounded in conventional programs, but I've learned to take what I can get. That said, kudos to the lady for making an appearance in the world of Red Dwarf so that I can mention her here. George was born on this day in 1984. [Source: IMDB.com]
Dare I say it? Young Paul Dano -- a bit of a critical darling -- made the future look downright scuzzy in 2012's cerebral SciFi thriller Looper. Dano was born on this day in 1984.
That star rising on the horizon? That's the career of young Chuku Modu. It's only starting its ascent, but thus far he's been gainfully employed in such arenas as Game Of Thrones, Captain Marvel (2019), and The CW's long-running The 100. Modu was born on this day in 1990. [Source: IMDB.com]
On this day in 1932 (in Austria), the undead was brought back to life with the theatrical release of Frankenstein. Directed by James Whale, the SciFi/Horror starred Colin Clive and Boris Karloff, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"An obsessed scientist assembles a living being from parts of exhumed corpses."
"An obsessed scientist assembles a living being from parts of exhumed corpses."
On this day in 1933 (in Portugal), Chandu The Magician delivered thrills and laughs to interested viewers. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary for the Fantasy/Comedy:
"When delusional madman Roxor kidnaps a scientist in hopes of using his death ray to achieve world dominance, he is opposed by Chandu, a powerful hypnotist and yogi."
"When delusional madman Roxor kidnaps a scientist in hopes of using his death ray to achieve world dominance, he is opposed by Chandu, a powerful hypnotist and yogi."
On this day in 1944 (in Spain), The Corpse Vanishes turned up alive at the box office. Directed by Wallace Fox, the SciFi/Horror starred Bela Lugosi and Luana Walters, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A scientist, aided by an old hag and her two sons, kills virginal brides, steals their bodies, and extracts gland fluid to keep his ancient wife alive and young."
"A scientist, aided by an old hag and her two sons, kills virginal brides, steals their bodies, and extracts gland fluid to keep his ancient wife alive and young."
You say you've got giant ants? Well, there's just one more reason not to live in the Arizona desert, my friend! And who doesn't love a movie with giant ants, eh? For the record, Them! -- a Cold War era flick that was released on this day in 1954 -- is hands-down one of the very best. I've seen it. It's brilliant. Those ants? Those ants deserve Academy Awards! Take that, Matt Damon.
If you haven't seen it yet, then shame on you, my friend. Shame, shame, shame.
If you haven't seen it yet, then shame on you, my friend. Shame, shame, shame.
On this day in 1959 (in the United Kingdom), Forbidden Planet stirred up interest in life out there. Directed by Fred M. Wilcox, the SciFi feature starred Leslie Nielsen and Anne Francis, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"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 1962 (in Brazil), Walt Disney's The Absent Minded Professor soared into theaters. Directed by Robert Stevenson, the SciFi/Comedy starred Fred MacMurray, Nancy Olson, and Keenan Wynn; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A college professor invents an anti-gravity substance which a corrupt businessman wants for himself."
"A college professor invents an anti-gravity substance which a corrupt businessman wants for himself."
On this day in 1968, Hammer Films' The Lost Continent enjoyed its U.S. theatrical release. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"On their way to South America, the passengers and crew of an old freighter face many challenges. The captain has taken on illegal cargo - a dangerous consignment of phosphorous that will explode if it comes into contact with water - something that worries the crew but less so for the passengers who all seem to have good reasons to continue their trip. When the ship takes on water some of the crew mutiny and eventually abandon ship. For those who stay aboard, they soon find themselves trapped in a huge bed of living seaweed and find a several centuries old Spanish galleon that has been trapped for all of that time - now manned by the descendants of the original crew. They will have to help them if they are to survive."
"On their way to South America, the passengers and crew of an old freighter face many challenges. The captain has taken on illegal cargo - a dangerous consignment of phosphorous that will explode if it comes into contact with water - something that worries the crew but less so for the passengers who all seem to have good reasons to continue their trip. When the ship takes on water some of the crew mutiny and eventually abandon ship. For those who stay aboard, they soon find themselves trapped in a huge bed of living seaweed and find a several centuries old Spanish galleon that has been trapped for all of that time - now manned by the descendants of the original crew. They will have to help them if they are to survive."
On this day in 1970 (in Spain), The Mind Benders played with the minds of its audience. Directed by Basil Dearden, the SciFi/Drama starred Dirk Bogarde, Mary Ure, and John Clements; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Dedicated British scientist Dr. Henry Laidlaw Longman (Sir Dirk Bogarde) tests the possibility of brainwashing. If the experiment succeeds, he will stop loving his wife Oonagh (Mary Ure)."
"Dedicated British scientist Dr. Henry Laidlaw Longman (Sir Dirk Bogarde) tests the possibility of brainwashing. If the experiment succeeds, he will stop loving his wife Oonagh (Mary Ure)."
On this day in 1981, Superman II proved not only a man could still fly but he'd have his hands full if any other survivors from Krypton showed up on his watch. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Superman agrees to sacrifice his powers to start a relationship with Lois Lane, unaware that three Kryptonian criminals he inadvertently released are conquering Earth."
"Superman agrees to sacrifice his powers to start a relationship with Lois Lane, unaware that three Kryptonian criminals he inadvertently released are conquering Earth."
On this day in 1985 (in Iceland), The Terminator blazed a trail from the future back to the 1980's in theaters. Directed by James Cameron, the SciFi film starred Arnold Schwarzenegger and Linda Hamilton, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In 1984, a human soldier is tasked to stop an indestructible cyborg killing machine, both sent from 2029, from executing a young woman, whose unborn son is the key to humanity's future salvation."
"In 1984, a human soldier is tasked to stop an indestructible cyborg killing machine, both sent from 2029, from executing a young woman, whose unborn son is the key to humanity's future salvation."
On this day in 1987, the SciFi/Telefilm Not Quite Human gave audiences another look at emerging artificial intelligence. This one starred Jay Underwood and Alan Thicke, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Dr. Jonas Carson, a scientist, invents Chip, an android teenager. Dr. Carson sends Chip to school with his daughter Becky to see whether an android could interact with others. But his former employer decides to try and make a profit by stealing the mechanical boy."
"Dr. Jonas Carson, a scientist, invents Chip, an android teenager. Dr. Carson sends Chip to school with his daughter Becky to see whether an android could interact with others. But his former employer decides to try and make a profit by stealing the mechanical boy."
On this day in 1992 (in Spain), Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country gave Capt. Kirk and company a last big hurrah on the silver screen. Directed by Nicholas Meyer, the SciFi/Thriller starred William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, and David Warner; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"On the eve of retirement, Kirk and McCoy are charged with assassinating the Klingon High Chancellor and imprisoned. The Enterprise crew must help them escape to thwart a conspiracy aimed at sabotaging the last best hope for peace."
"On the eve of retirement, Kirk and McCoy are charged with assassinating the Klingon High Chancellor and imprisoned. The Enterprise crew must help them escape to thwart a conspiracy aimed at sabotaging the last best hope for peace."
On this day in 1999, Existo played for audiences in attendance of the Atlanta Film Festival. Written (in part) and directed by Coke Sams, the SciFi/Musical starred Bruce Arntson and Jackie Welch, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In a post-critical thought dumbed down world, art and theatre is outlawed. Only the bravest most rebellious artists remain. With this comes the underworld art-scene, not unlike the alcohol prohibition years of America; and like then some politicians and elites are underground art seekers in the speakeasy art scene. There are also the boldest of the bold artist that take their art to the surface with public art bombs. These art bombs are met with the full force of law for fear of free thought breaking out and the darkness of democracy returning to the world."
"In a post-critical thought dumbed down world, art and theatre is outlawed. Only the bravest most rebellious artists remain. With this comes the underworld art-scene, not unlike the alcohol prohibition years of America; and like then some politicians and elites are underground art seekers in the speakeasy art scene. There are also the boldest of the bold artist that take their art to the surface with public art bombs. These art bombs are met with the full force of law for fear of free thought breaking out and the darkness of democracy returning to the world."
On this day in 1964, The Twilight Zone aired its series finale: "The Bewitchin' Pool" served as the thirty-sixth episode to the popular program's fifth and final season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Two children escape their bickering parents through a portal in the bottom of their swimming pool to a magical land watched over by a kindly old woman the children call Aunt T."
"Two children escape their bickering parents through a portal in the bottom of their swimming pool to a magical land watched over by a kindly old woman the children call Aunt T."
On this day in 1992 (in Germany), Commander Data showed off his skills when Star Trek: The Next Generation aired "Peak Performance." Officially, this served as the twenty-first episode in the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The crew of the Enterprise participates in war games."
"The crew of the Enterprise participates in war games."
Star Trek: The Next Generation's sixth season came to a close on this day back in 1993 with the airing of "Descent, Part 1" in syndication. As the story opens, it would appear that Data has gone over to the Dark Side (wrong franchise, I know), but wouldn't you know it all turns out to be the machinations of his evil twin brother, Lore! Curse you, Lore! Curse you!
On this day in 1994 (in the Netherlands), Star Trek: The Next Generation aired "Who Watches The Watchers." Officially, this served as the fourth episode in the program's third season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A proto-Vulcan culture worships Captain Picard and prepares to offer Counselor Troi as a sacrifice."
"A proto-Vulcan culture worships Captain Picard and prepares to offer Counselor Troi as a sacrifice."
On this day in 1995, the crew serving aboard Star Trek: Deep Space Nine came face-to-face with "The Adversary." Here's the plot summary as provided by our friends at IMDB.com:"The Defiant is off to show the Federation's presence to the new Tzenkethi government. While underway the ship malfunctions and Bashir is suspected of sabotage."
On this day in 2005, The 4400 aired "Weight Of The World." This served as the third episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as detailed on IMDB.com:
"A salesman's saliva has an extremely slimming effect on people. Lily suspects a new pregnancy as Richard stumbles onto a case of jealousy. So does Collier, and Shawn is disgusted by his moral. Kyle is tempted to join a wild students' party. Maia finds her aunt's work very interesting."
"A salesman's saliva has an extremely slimming effect on people. Lily suspects a new pregnancy as Richard stumbles onto a case of jealousy. So does Collier, and Shawn is disgusted by his moral. Kyle is tempted to join a wild students' party. Maia finds her aunt's work very interesting."
Note to Falling Skies' showrunners: no alien apocalypse drama should ever have so many smiles as its first season did ... and that's largely the problem I had with the program throughout its first two seasons: it was way too sugary and family-oriented. Its first hour -- "Live and Learn" -- premiered on this day in 2011, and here's the summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The world is left in tatters after a sudden, unprovoked and unexplained invasion by aliens, leaving the planet's remaining human population to fight for survival against the occupiers. History professor Tom Mason has been named second in command for the 2nd Mass, but his real focus is on his three sons, one of whom has been captured by the aliens for an unknown purpose."
As some shows do, Falling Skies followed up its first hour on the same night, a bonus episode titled "Armory":
"While scouting for supplies, Tom, Hal and their squad encounter a gang of marauders determined to get their hands on the 2nd Massachusetts' weapons. Leading the gang is an ex-con named John Pope, who decides to use his hostages as bargaining material."
"The world is left in tatters after a sudden, unprovoked and unexplained invasion by aliens, leaving the planet's remaining human population to fight for survival against the occupiers. History professor Tom Mason has been named second in command for the 2nd Mass, but his real focus is on his three sons, one of whom has been captured by the aliens for an unknown purpose."
As some shows do, Falling Skies followed up its first hour on the same night, a bonus episode titled "Armory":
"While scouting for supplies, Tom, Hal and their squad encounter a gang of marauders determined to get their hands on the 2nd Massachusetts' weapons. Leading the gang is an ex-con named John Pope, who decides to use his hostages as bargaining material."
Within the burgeoning chronology of the DC Comics' Universe, June 19th (no year given) is recognized as the birthday for the character of Shayera Thal, the Hawkgirl (aka Hawkwoman) of Earth-1. For the uninformed, there have been a few 'versions' of the Hawkgirl character, and Shayera Thal definitely goes back to that creation's true origins; however, it's believed/established within the realm of the comics that Shayera has passed away, surrendering the responsibilities to another sponsor. If you're interested in the full rundown of the character's origins, you can check out the Wikipedia.org citation right here.
(Source: The Five Earths Project)
(Source: The Five Earths Project)
On this day in 1938, The Shadow radio serial aired "The Tomb Of Terror." Acccording to our friends on The Shadow Wiki, here's the episode's plot summary:
"A mummy's curse seems valid when a strange death ray kills those who enter a Egyptian exhibit at a museum."
"A mummy's curse seems valid when a strange death ray kills those who enter a Egyptian exhibit at a museum."
