March 2 marks the birthday of everyone's favorite personal physician, Dr. Beverly Crusher, better known as Gates McFadden! She served with distinction aboard Star Trek: The Next Generation's Enterprise-D, and the ship was a safer place knowing that she was there. Another year wiser, another year lovelier! McFadden was born on this day in 1949.
Back in 1983, John Cullum (and a host of talented folks) braved the Nuclear Apocalypse at the heart of the controversial TV SciFi/Drama, The Day After. Cullum was born on this day in 1930.
The eclectic Al Waxman provided vocals to a character in 1981's adaptation of the SciFi/Cult film, Heavy Metal. Though he's no longer with us, Waxman was born on this day in 1935.
If IMDB.com is any indication, then Henry Stamper didn't act all that often, but he did squeeze in an appearance aboard Doctor Who's "The Enemy Of The World" in 1967. Though he's no longer with us, Stamper was born on this day in 1937.
Richard Compton (above center) is one of those rare actors who's had the singular distinction of having been a part of the original Star Trek series and then -- during Star Trek: The Next Generation's run -- he actually had the chance to come in and direct an episode. Check out his resume on IMDB.com, and you'll see he's touched an awful lot of SciFi TV franchises as a director. Though he's no longer with us, Compton was born on this day in 1938.
Among her many accolades and honors, the lovely Barbara Luna appears in two of my personal all-time favorites in the realm of televised SciFi: she played 'Marlena' in the Star Trek classic episode "Mirror, Mirror" (above left), and she played 'Koori' in Buck Rogers in the 25th Century's exceptional "Time of the Hawk" outing (above right). Luna was born on this day in 1939.
Not only did the great Hugh Walters (above right) get to play in the world of Doctor Who, he also appeared in the seminal 1984 (1984) as a lecturer. Though he's no longer with us, Walters was born on this day in 1939.
Actor Jon Finch leaves behind a resume solid in period dramas, but he did have a small role (as no less than Christ himself) aboard NBC's miniseries adaptation of Ray Bradbury's The Martian Chronicles. Though he's no longer with us, Finch was born on this day in 1942. [Source: IMDB.com]
Actor and writer George Layton made an appearance in the earlier realms of the BBC's long-running Doctor Who. Layton was born on this day in 1943.
Best-selling author Peter Straub traffics in the realms of Horror and Fantasy, and his works are often compared with his occasional collaborator Stephen King. Straub was born on this day in 1943.
Gemini Man was a short-lived, mid-1970's SciFi procedural about a man with powers of limited invisibility, and the lovely Katherine Crawford (above right) starred on the show as 'Dr. Abby Lawrence.' Crawford was born on this day in 1944.
Gone too soon: Joy Garret's last credited screen role was as 'Annie Meyers,' the lovely bar patron from the fan favorite episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation, "A Fistful of Datas." Though she's no longer with us, Garret was born on this day in 1945.
The fetching Hilary Thompson doesn't act all that much these days, but during her tenure she enjoyed screen time aboard such projects as Wonderbug, The Fury (1978), Automan, and ALF. Thompson was born on this day in 1949.
Science Fiction and Fantasy comes in all shapes and sizes, and -- aboard the kid-friendly Harry and the Hendersons TV show -- the lovely Molly Cheek (above right) played mother 'Nancy Henderson.' Cheek was born on this day in 1950.
No doubt I'll always remember Matthew Laurance for his work in the Eddie and The Cruisers films, but he did guest aboard the cable version of The Outer Limits for good measure. Laurance was born on this day in 1950. [Source: IMDB.com]
Aboard Syngenor (1990), actor Mitchell Laurance (above right) played out the Frankenstein mythos when scientists created genetic super-soldiers for the government who eventually turn on their creators. Laurance was born on this day in 1950.
Early in her professional career, Cassie Yates guest-starred aboard an episode of the popular The Bionic Woman. Yates was born on this day in 1951. [Source: IMDB.com]
When The Coneheads morphed from a Not-Ready-For-Prime-Time sketch to the silver screen in 1993, Laraine Newman still played a part, only one reduced to a cameo in favor of a younger actress to play the family's daughter. Newman was born on this day in 1952. [Source: IMDB.com]
One of the elements that moves drama forward -- yes, even Science Fiction drama -- is creating flawed characters with the opportunity and ability to redeem themselves. James Cameron's SciFi epic Aliens is ripe with such occurrences, not the least of which was Lt. Gorman (as played by William Hope). Hope imbued the stiff but fair Gorman with bookish sensibilities, allowing the man to screw up royally in the picture's set-up while still 'rising to the occasion' when he was presented with a truly dire predicament. Well played, Mr. Hope! The actor was born on this day in 1955.
Personally, I love the Doctor Who Holiday Specials. Granted, the quality of the storytelling has been widely varied, but each special usually presents a particular Whovian situation that gets wrapped up with just the right amount of yuletide sentiments. Veteran character actor Michael Troughton played a small part in 2014's Last Christmas, but it's still worth a mention for like-minded enthusiasts in these pages. Troughton was born on this day in 1955.
Debra McMichael went from the wrestling ring to the world of Fantasy -- perhaps not all that far a leap! -- for her role aboard Gathering Of Heroes: Legend of the Seven Swords (2018). McMichael was born on this day in 1960. [Source: IMDB.com]
The lovely Tracee Lee Cocco was one of the background players who had the good fortune of serving as a regular background actor (and stuntwoman) aboard the entire run of Star Trek: The Next Generation. Cocco was born on this day in 1961.
The stunning Andrea Kelly has put her assets to good use filling out supporting roles in such properties as Dark Skies, The X-Files, and Threshold. Kelly was born on this day in 1966.
Though Daniel Craig is certainly more widely known for playing British super-spy James Bond in the motion picture franchise, SciFi fans thrilled to his exploits as the cowboy with a fantastic weapon in 2011's lukewarm Cowboys & Aliens. Craig was born on this day in 1968.
In the 2011 Doctor Who holiday special (aka "The Doctor, The Widow, and The Wardrobe"), Alexander Armstrong made an appearance as 'Reg Arwell.' Armstrong was born on this day in 1970.
The dreamy Elizabeth Lackey enjoyed a recurring guest spot aboard NBC TV's Heroes during its original run. Lackey was born on this day in 1971.
The lovely Amber Smith found herself on the knife's edge as part of the cast of Mars (1997), a tale of crime finding its was to the colonized red planet. Smith was born on this day in 1971.
In one of his earliest acting gigs, a young Richard Ruccolo played FBI Agent Peyton Ritter aboard Fox TV's long-running The X-Files. Ruccolo was born on this day in 1972.
Early in his acting career, the talented Paul Popowich guested aboard "Valiant," an episode of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. He also visited Dark Angel, The Outer Limits, Mutant X, Phil the Alien (2004), and The Expanse. Popowich was born on this day in 1973.
Screenwriter and director Jeff Wadlow helped bring Kick-Ass 2 (2013) to the masses at large, and he continues to seek out new genre projects and opportunities. Wadlow was born on this day in 1976.
The lovely Heather McComb played Special Agent Angela Collier aboard NBC's The Event. She's also booked roles aboard Alien Nation (TV), The X-Files, Millennium, and 2012: Supernova (2009). McComb was born on this day in 1977.
Funny lady Jocelyn Jee Esien made a handful of appearances aboard the Doctor Who spin-off, The Sarah Jane Adventures. Esien was born on this day in 1979.
I've written elsewhere about how much of a narrative mess I found HBO's first season of their overhyped Westworld reboot, but I did like several of the performances, including the lovely Ingrid Bolsø Berdal in the role of the villainous 'Armistice.' Berdal was born on this day in 1980.
Bryce Dallas Howard certainly chose an ambitious role with which to break into the SciFi field: she played the wife of the infamous John Connor in Terminator Salvation (2009). Though she's probably done with that franchise, Howard was born on this day in 1981.
Pilou Asbæk continues to turn in impressive work in one role after another. Genre fans might recognize him from appearances aboard Lucy (2014) and HBO's Game Of Thrones. Asbæk was born on this day in 1982.
When Warner Bros. and DC Comics brought Catwoman (2004) to the silver screen, they also brought the lovely Kim Smith along in the role as 'Drina.' Smith was born on this day in 1983.
Ethan Peck suited up and picked up a weapon for a role opposite Justin Timberlake for In Time (2011). He's also earned screen time aboard Halo 4, Halo 5, and The Sorcerer's Apprentice (2010). Peck was born on this day in 1986.
The Maze Runner (2014) was quite good. Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials (2015) was pretty awful. Now, that's no fault of Nathalie Emmanuel who turned in a nice role in the flick; and the lovely lady also turns heads aboard HBO's powerful Game Of Thrones adaptation. Emmanuel was born on this day in 1989.
Even though she's relatively new to this whole 'acting' thing, the lovely Maisie Richardson-Sellers already boasts a resume rich in genre entries, including roles aboard The Originals, Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens (2015), and Legends of Tomorrow. Richardson-Sellers was born on this day in 1992.
When Power Rangers (2017) moved from the small screen to the silver, the lovely Becky G suited up as Trini, the Yellow Ranger. Ms. G was born on this day in 1997. [Source: IMDB.com]
Repo Man was one of those films that just didn't interest me in its original theatrical run -- it premiered on this day in 1984 -- but I saw it as soon as it was released on home video. Even then, it just did nothing for me. Granted, I thought it was a clever idea; I just watched as it went nowhere. Here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Young punk Otto becomes a repo man after helping to steal a car, and stumbles into a world of wackiness as a result."
"Young punk Otto becomes a repo man after helping to steal a car, and stumbles into a world of wackiness as a result."
On this day in 1984 (in Portugal), Welcome To Blood City served up SciFi thrills and chills with one of the oddest SciFi pairings you'll ever imagine: Jack Palance and Keir Dullea. (FYI: the film was shot in 1976 but not released until much later.) According to IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A group of people find themselves as slaves in what looks like a Wild West town, but with no memory of who they are or how they got there. In this town, people advance through killing others. One of the people decides to go for the top position."
"A group of people find themselves as slaves in what looks like a Wild West town, but with no memory of who they are or how they got there. In this town, people advance through killing others. One of the people decides to go for the top position."
On this day back in 1988, Gandahar (aka Light Years) was released theatrically (in France). Here's the scuttlebutt from IMDB.com:
"An evil force from a 1000 years in the future begins to destroy an idyllic paradise, where the citizens are in perfect harmony with nature."
"An evil force from a 1000 years in the future begins to destroy an idyllic paradise, where the citizens are in perfect harmony with nature."
On this day in 1994, Robot In The Family served up some family-friend SciFi. The feature starred Joe Pantoliano and Danny Gerard, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A manic search for a valuable relic pits a father, son, and trouble-prone robot against a nasty villain."
"A manic search for a valuable relic pits a father, son, and trouble-prone robot against a nasty villain."
On this day in 2000 (in Australia), Christopher Lambert found himself incarcerated in the future yet again when Fortress 2 came up for parole. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"7 years after the original Fortress movie, Brennick along with the rebels are captured and sent to a new, more sophisticated fortress prison, in outer space."
"7 years after the original Fortress movie, Brennick along with the rebels are captured and sent to a new, more sophisticated fortress prison, in outer space."
Because Fantasy remains SciFi's red-headed stepsister, we do give it 'props' from time-to-time on our site, and -- on this day in 2001 -- the Fantasy/Telefilm Voyage of the Unicorn set sail for adventure. The feature starred Beau Bridges and Heather McEwen, and here's the plot summary that's been provided to IMDB.com:
"A professor, grieving for his dead wife, and his two daughters unwillingly journey to a parallel universe of fairy court, marauding trolls, and a prophecy that they will save this nether world. They board the Unicorn, a magic ship manned by elves. In the search for a dragon who will help them fulfill the prophecy, they encounter the Minotaur, Medusa, the Sphinx, an ogre, and a unicorn whose tears they need to reverse one of Medusa's misguided stares. The trolls also seek the dragon. Capture and slavery awaits failure, while faith precedes the miracle. The spirit of their mother is close to the girls, who must find courage and imagination, while Dad must keep his wits."
"A professor, grieving for his dead wife, and his two daughters unwillingly journey to a parallel universe of fairy court, marauding trolls, and a prophecy that they will save this nether world. They board the Unicorn, a magic ship manned by elves. In the search for a dragon who will help them fulfill the prophecy, they encounter the Minotaur, Medusa, the Sphinx, an ogre, and a unicorn whose tears they need to reverse one of Medusa's misguided stares. The trolls also seek the dragon. Capture and slavery awaits failure, while faith precedes the miracle. The spirit of their mother is close to the girls, who must find courage and imagination, while Dad must keep his wits."
On this day in 2011 (within the great nation-state of Japan), Infection: The Invasion Begins invaded theatres. This SciFi/Thriller starred Kelly Pendygraft and Alice Amter, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"A mystery surrounds a small town that was attacked on September 9, 2009. Now sixty years later, the last survivor, Sarah, sends a high profile reporter a letter suggesting what really happened on that day. The government calls 9/9/09 the start of the "Modern Plague", and the reporter soon realizes that the truth may be harder to uncover than the lies."
"A mystery surrounds a small town that was attacked on September 9, 2009. Now sixty years later, the last survivor, Sarah, sends a high profile reporter a letter suggesting what really happened on that day. The government calls 9/9/09 the start of the "Modern Plague", and the reporter soon realizes that the truth may be harder to uncover than the lies."
On this day in 2011 (in Japan), Starzinger enjoyed its theatrical premiere. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the premise behind the SciFi/Animated feature:
"Three powerful androids must assist Princess Aurora on her dangerous journey to the Great Planet, in order to restore balance in the universe."
"Three powerful androids must assist Princess Aurora on her dangerous journey to the Great Planet, in order to restore balance in the universe."
On this day in 1954, Rocky Jones, Space Ranger aired "Beyond The Curtain Of Space: Chapter II." This served as the second episode of the show's first (and only) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by TV.com:
"Space Ranger Rocky Jones comes to the rescue of Professor Newton and Bobby and discovers the fact that somehow, The Office Of Space Affairs on Earth has been infiltrated by a spy."
"Space Ranger Rocky Jones comes to the rescue of Professor Newton and Bobby and discovers the fact that somehow, The Office Of Space Affairs on Earth has been infiltrated by a spy."
On this day in 1960, Men Into Space aired "Contraband." This served as the twenty-first episode of the program's only season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"McCauley must take four scientists back to the moon to find a deposit of a valuable mineral that one of them stole, so that he can trick the thief into revealing himself."
"McCauley must take four scientists back to the moon to find a deposit of a valuable mineral that one of them stole, so that he can trick the thief into revealing himself."
On this day in 1962, Rod Serling threw open the door to The Twilight Zone for the airing of one of his program's most beloved episodes. "To Serve Man" was the twenty-fourth tale of the third season, and -- according to our friends at IMDB.com -- here's what all the hubbub was about:
"An alien race comes to earth, promising peace and sharing technology. A linguist and his team set out to translate the alien's language, using a book whose title they deduce is 'To Serve Man'."
"An alien race comes to earth, promising peace and sharing technology. A linguist and his team set out to translate the alien's language, using a book whose title they deduce is 'To Serve Man'."
Oh, what's a Spock to do when he gets his 'love jones' on? Why, he's supposed to give in! At least, that's the premise behind Star Trek's first season episode, "This Side of Paradise." Airing on this day back in 1967, the show pitted the crew of the Enterprise against a series of plant spores that infect them with the desire to pursue some much needed bliss.
On this day in 1968, Doctor Who aired "The Web of Fear, Part 5." This served as the twenty-seventh episode of the program's fifth season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Victoria and Travers are held prisoner by the Great Intelligence, who is planning to drain the Doctor's mind."
"Victoria and Travers are held prisoner by the Great Intelligence, who is planning to drain the Doctor's mind."
On this day in 1974, Doctor Who aired "Death to the Daleks, Part 2." This served as the twelfth episode of the program's eleventh season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"The Doctor and the MSC crew join forces with the Daleks to mine the parrinium, only to come under attack from the Exxilons."
"The Doctor and the MSC crew join forces with the Daleks to mine the parrinium, only to come under attack from the Exxilons."
On this day in 1982, Doctor Who aired "Black Orchid, Part 2." This served as the eighteenth episode of the program's nineteenth season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Ann escapes her Harlequin-clad abductor but it's The Doctor whom she accuses. Strangled bodies mount and The Doctor is arrested along with "accessories" Tegan, Nyssa and Adric. Will Lady Cranleigh's secret come out?"
"Ann escapes her Harlequin-clad abductor but it's The Doctor whom she accuses. Strangled bodies mount and The Doctor is arrested along with "accessories" Tegan, Nyssa and Adric. Will Lady Cranleigh's secret come out?"
On this day in 1983, Doctor Who aired "Enlightenment, Part 2." This served as the eighteenth episode of the program's twentieth season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Captain Striker and his officers reveal themselves to be Eternals, mind-reading creatures who live outside of time and who require Ephemerals (humans and other "time dwellers") to relieve them of their emptiness. They race against other Eternals for the grand prize of Enlightenment, by which to grant their deepest wishes. That can't be good for the universe, but how can the Doctor strategize against beings adept at reading his every thought?"
"Captain Striker and his officers reveal themselves to be Eternals, mind-reading creatures who live outside of time and who require Ephemerals (humans and other "time dwellers") to relieve them of their emptiness. They race against other Eternals for the grand prize of Enlightenment, by which to grant their deepest wishes. That can't be good for the universe, but how can the Doctor strategize against beings adept at reading his every thought?"
On this day in 1984, Doctor Who aired "Planet of Fire, Part 4." This served as the sixteenth episode of the program's twenty-first season, and here's the plot summary according to IMDB.com:
"While the Master, victim of his own attempt to improve his TCE weapon, seeks restoration through Sarn's numismaton gas, the truth of Turlough's past comes out at last, though to guarantee the safety of his brother and the Sarn people, Turlough must consider a great personal sacrifice."
"While the Master, victim of his own attempt to improve his TCE weapon, seeks restoration through Sarn's numismaton gas, the truth of Turlough's past comes out at last, though to guarantee the safety of his brother and the Sarn people, Turlough must consider a great personal sacrifice."
On this day in 1985, Doctor Who aired "The Two Doctors, Part 3." This served as the ninth episode of the program's twenty-second season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Closing in on the goal of time travel, the Androgum and Sontarans get set to double-cross each other. With Peri and Jamie alternately in danger of winding up on the bill of fare, the decision is made to genetically transform Doctor No. 2 into an insatiably carnivorous Androgum, which causes Doctor No. 6 to develop a sudden taste for house cats as he races to not let this change become permanent."
"Closing in on the goal of time travel, the Androgum and Sontarans get set to double-cross each other. With Peri and Jamie alternately in danger of winding up on the bill of fare, the decision is made to genetically transform Doctor No. 2 into an insatiably carnivorous Androgum, which causes Doctor No. 6 to develop a sudden taste for house cats as he races to not let this change become permanent."
On this day in 1991, Super Force aired "Tales of Future Past." This served as the twenty-second episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary from TV.com:
"A genetically engineered warrior from the future is sent back to kill Super Force!"
"A genetically engineered warrior from the future is sent back to kill Super Force!"
On this day in 1994, Babylon 5 aired "Mind War." This served as the sixth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"The Psi-Cops arrive at the station to capture Talia's old Psi Corps instructor. Catherine is warned not to survey a sector of space by G'Kar."
"The Psi-Cops arrive at the station to capture Talia's old Psi Corps instructor. Catherine is warned not to survey a sector of space by G'Kar."
On this day in 1995, William Shatner's TekWar aired "Alter Ego." This served as the sixth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as listed on IMDB.com:
"A powerful Teklord was put on ice for his crimes but soon reappears and begins killing those responsible for putting him away. Jake checks the freezer but finds that he is still on ice. There's an AI simulating the real Teklord."
"A powerful Teklord was put on ice for his crimes but soon reappears and begins killing those responsible for putting him away. Jake checks the freezer but finds that he is still on ice. There's an AI simulating the real Teklord."
On this day in 2013, the second part of the two-part miniseries Delete aired on television. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Delete imagines a disaster in our all-too-fragile digital world where the web becomes dangerously self-aware with one systematic purpose, to destroy mankind. Faced with possible extinction, there is only one way out - create a second artificial intelligence, just as alive, just as intelligent and just as dangerous."
"Delete imagines a disaster in our all-too-fragile digital world where the web becomes dangerously self-aware with one systematic purpose, to destroy mankind. Faced with possible extinction, there is only one way out - create a second artificial intelligence, just as alive, just as intelligent and just as dangerous."
On this day in 2014, Avengers Assemble aired "Savages." This served as the seventeenth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as detailed by IMDB.com:
"When Tony becomes too reliant on his tech, Cap challenges him to go without it for one full day."
"When Tony becomes too reliant on his tech, Cap challenges him to go without it for one full day."
On this day in 2015, a phenomenon was born when the Spanish-language SciFi/Fantasy program known as The Department Of Time aired its first episode. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the premise:
"The Ministry agent in 1588 Lisbon, Gil Pérez, raises the alarm when he notices that would-be famous playwright Lope de Vega has missed his historical appointment to serve in the Spanish Armada."
"The Ministry agent in 1588 Lisbon, Gil Pérez, raises the alarm when he notices that would-be famous playwright Lope de Vega has missed his historical appointment to serve in the Spanish Armada."
On this day in 2002, Starfleet: Year One was published by Pocket Books under their Star Trek imprint. The book was penned by fan favorite author Michael Jan Friedman, and if you're interested in knowing a bit more about the read then you can follow the link I've found right here.
If you're unfamiliar with the novels involving future military grunt Takeshi Kovacs, then you're really missing something special. Author Richard K. Morgan's hero lives in a world centuries down the road from ours, where folks who've grown used to very long lives by occupying bodies only temporarily through some consciousness-transferring technology. Also, we've grown accustomed to enhancing our skills and abilities through clever gene-splicing, and it would seem we're always hot-on-the-trail of trying to uncover what happened to the original Martian civilization whose spaceflight technology we've commandeered for our own uses. I've just about finished Broken Angels, and I've found much of it a staggering delight. The novel was first published on this day in 2004.
