I guess it's one thing to have a small part in a pretty big film ... but it's another thing entirely to have a small part that's remembered for, possibly, many generations. That's what happened for the young Carrie Henn, who was cast as 'Newt' in the James Cameron sequel to the original Alien ... called (suitably enough) Aliens. Newt helped redefine the strong woman character for that franchise, and, for that, we celebrate her. Happy birthday wishes go out to you, Ms. Henn! She was born on this day in 1976. [Source: IMDB.com]
Jon Lormer left behind a legacy of over one hundred and sixty different screen credits. He served time aboard such properties as Destination Space (1959), One Step Beyond, The Twilight Zone, Dimension 5 (1966), The Invaders, Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea, Batman, Star Trek, Planet of the Apes, and The Incredible Hulk. Though he's no longer with us, Lormer was born on this day in 1906. [Source: IMDB.com]
Oh, back in the day, nobody like the Night Stalker could hunt down our demons-of-the-week. This was long before The X-Files, but the actor who played Kolchak was revered so much that Chris Carter and his crew cast actor Darren McGavin to kinda/sorta reprise him symbolically in the much later Fox TV program. Though he's no longer with us, Mr. McGavin celebrated this day as his birthday. He was born in 1922. [Source: IMDB.com]
The lovely Anne Baxter dipped her beautiful toes into the realm of high camp Fantasy with appearances aboard the late 1960's incarnation of Batman for television. Though she's no longer with us, Baxter was born on this day in 1923. [Source: IMDB.com]
Science Fiction and Fantasy author Gene Wolfe has achieved critical fame, being regarded by many of one of the best living writers today. In 1996, he won the World Fantasy Award for Life Achievement, and he topped that off by being named to The Science Fiction Hall of Fame in 2007. Though he's no longer with us, Wolfe was born on this day in 1931. [Source: IMDB.com]
Actor Roger Perry landed one of the more memorable guest appearances in all of Trekdom, appearing as Capt. John Christopher in the first season of Star Trek. "Tomorrow Is Yesterday" pitted Kirk and company in one of the program's first time travel yarns, with Perry along merrily for the ride. The actor also posted appearances in such sci-fi shows as The Invaders, The Six Million Dollar Man, and The Bionic Woman. Though he's no longer with us, Perry was born on this day in 1933. [Source: IMDB.com]
Jon Rashad Kamal enjoyed a wee bit of screen time in the guise of 'Commander Sonak,' the Vulcan who met a cruel ending due to a transporter malfunction aboard Star Trek: The Motion Picture (1979). Though he's no longer with us, Kamal was born on this day in 1935. [Source: Memory Alpha]
Undoubtedly, Randall 'Tex' Cobb is recognized more for his work in Raising Arizona -- one of the best comedies ever committed to film -- but he did make an appearance aboard Fox TV's popular The X-Files so that we can feature him here. Cobb was born on this day in 1950. [Source: IMDB.com]
John Fleck was born on this day back in 1951. He's had a long, rather illustrious career as a character actor in many programs. He's made appearances in Star Trek: The Next Generation, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Star Trek: Voyager, as well as Star Trek: Enterprise (he played Silik). He's even been aboard Babylon 5. Quite a major contributor to several franchises. You should check out his resume on IMDB.com. Pretty impressive. Happy birthday to you, Mr. Fleck! He was born in 1951. [Source: IMDB.com]
Gary Westfahl (above right) is what one would call a 'Science Fiction academic.' He was penned over twenty books exploring the scholarship of Science Fiction as it pertains to our culture; additionally he was written reviews on the subject matter for the Los Angeles Times, Internet Review of Science Fiction, and Locus Online. Westfahl was born on this day in 1951.
Despite all of his pissyness, Farscape's Peacekeeper captain Meeklo Braca was one of those characters audiences secretly rooted for. They hoped he'd wise up, come to his senses, and leave all of the shenanigans behind. Alas, it wasn't meant to be. Still, Braca was brought to life wonderfully by David Franklin, who was born on this day back in 1962.
Most red-blooded American males know Traci Lords for something that isn't really so SciFi-related (we'll leave it nameless on these pages), but she's also dabbled in more mainstream fare. As Jordan Radcliffe, Traci helped expose an alien menace bent on invading Earth as part of their First Wave. And -- in 2009 -- she played SciFi's 'Dejah Thoris' (Google it if you don't know) in the direct-to-DVD release, Princess of Mars. Lords was born on this day in 1968. [Source: IMDB.com]
You may not know Breckin Meyer's face, but odds are if you're an animation or gaming fan you know his voice. He's been a part of such staples as Robot Chicken since its inception. He's also appeared in Escape From L.A. (1996) and enjoyed a small role in NBC's Heroes. Meyer was born on this day in 1974. [Source: IMDB.com]
Arnold Chun has enjoyed a healthy bit of screen time aboard Amazon's stellar SciFi series The Man In The High Castle during its run on the streaming service. Chun was born on this day in 1976. [Source: IMDB.com]
Mark O'Brien was one of the key supporting players who faced an alien lifeform in the surprising SciFi hit Arrival (2016). O'Brien was born on this day in 1984. [Source: IMDB.com]
Though her resume implies that she leans toward more conventional fare, Melissa Tang has dabbled in Science Fiction and Fantasy with roles aboard Extant and Beauty & The Beast. Tang was born on this day in 1985. [Source: IMDB.com]
Mhairi Calvey's credentials continue to grow in the realm of genre entertainment. SciFi fans might recognize her from an appearance in Abduct (2016). Calvey was born on this day in 1988. [Source: IMDB.com]
Alexander Ludwig (above left) made a splash in The Hunger Games' universe as the 'heavy' Cato, one of the biggest challenges for Katniss and her group in the first film. He's since found fame playing Bjorn Lothbrok on the History Channel's action/drama Vikings. Ludwig was born on this day in 1992. [Source: IMDB.com]
Bollywood actress Amyra Dastur dipped her toes into the realm of SciFi/Action with a top role aboard Mr. X (2015), the tale of an invisible vigilante. Dastur was born on this day in 1993. [Source: IMDB.com]
I'm not entirely certain as to how widespread this practice is used today, but there used to be a time when savvy television producers realized they could offset the cost to make a big budget television series by editing episodes together for theatrical release to overseas markets. The late Glen Larson and Universal Pictures definitely took advantage of such a program with its Battlestar Galactica property ... and on this day in 1981 (in Australia) Conquest Of The Earth enjoyed a run at the theatres. Essentially, this was little more than stories from a few episodes of Galactica 1980 cobbled together in movie format. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The Battlestar Galactica and its ragtag fleet of ships finally locate the Earth, only to discover that the planet is not prepared for the inevitable Cylon invasion."
"The Battlestar Galactica and its ragtag fleet of ships finally locate the Earth, only to discover that the planet is not prepared for the inevitable Cylon invasion."
On this day in 1982, the incomparable Roger Corman released the incomparable Forbidden World (aka Mutant) on the unsuspecting masses. Essentially, the film borrowed heavily from many SciFi flicks that had come before -- Ridley Scott's Alien definitely comes to mind in a single viewing -- and, naturally, it served up some hammy acting along with some campy situations. Here's the plot summary as provided by our friends at IMDB.com:
"In the distant future, a federation marshal arrives at a research lab on a remote planet where a genetic experiment has gotten lose and begins feeding on the dwindling scientific group."
Screencaps can be found here.
"In the distant future, a federation marshal arrives at a research lab on a remote planet where a genetic experiment has gotten lose and begins feeding on the dwindling scientific group."
Screencaps can be found here.
On this day in 2004, Van Helsing stirred up what business it could theatrically. Written and directed by Stephen Sommers, the Fantasy feature starred genre-favorite Hugh Jackman and Kate Beckinsale, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The notorious monster hunter is sent to Transylvania to stop Count Dracula who is using Dr. Frankenstein's research and a werewolf for some sinister purpose."
"The notorious monster hunter is sent to Transylvania to stop Count Dracula who is using Dr. Frankenstein's research and a werewolf for some sinister purpose."
On this day in 2011, the SciFi/Telefilm Almighty Thor took another look at the hero from Norse mythology. It starred Richard Grieco and Patricia Velasquez, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"When a demon god steals the Hammer of Invincibility, Thor strikes a mighty blow to get it back."
"When a demon god steals the Hammer of Invincibility, Thor strikes a mighty blow to get it back."
The end is near! The end is near! On this day in 2015 (in Germany), the U.S. west coast suffered its destruction as part of the plot of L.A. Apocalypse. The film starred Gina Holden and Christopher Judge, and here's the premise from IMDB.com:
"For 5 billion years the Earth's core has operated like a giant, nuclear reactor. Now it's overheated, melting down like a bomb that's about to explode. The earth is being ripped apart at the seams and beneath LA, pressure is building. After a mass evacuation, Calvin Crawford is one of few left, desperately searching for his fiancée, Ashley Pace, who unbeknownst to him, has been kidnapped and is being held hostage. With LA becoming more unstable by the minute, Calvin, must find a way to save Ashley and get them both to safety before the city is completely annihilated."
"For 5 billion years the Earth's core has operated like a giant, nuclear reactor. Now it's overheated, melting down like a bomb that's about to explode. The earth is being ripped apart at the seams and beneath LA, pressure is building. After a mass evacuation, Calvin Crawford is one of few left, desperately searching for his fiancée, Ashley Pace, who unbeknownst to him, has been kidnapped and is being held hostage. With LA becoming more unstable by the minute, Calvin, must find a way to save Ashley and get them both to safety before the city is completely annihilated."
On this day in 1954, Space Patrol aired "The Prisoner Of The Giant Comet." Officially, this served as the nineteenth episode in the program's fourth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A massive comet enters the Solar System and Space Patrol scramble to clear the space shipping lanes before disaster strikes."
"A massive comet enters the Solar System and Space Patrol scramble to clear the space shipping lanes before disaster strikes."
On this day in 1955, Adventures Of Superman aired "The Lucky Cat." This served as the third episode of the program's third season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The members of a club devoted to spurning superstition begin to suffer a series of near-calamities."
"The members of a club devoted to spurning superstition begin to suffer a series of near-calamities."
On this day in 1955, Science Fiction Theatre aired "Stranger In The Desert." Officially, this served as the fifth episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Two uranium prospectors find a rich deposit-and a botanist. The botanist has no interest in riches but may have an unworldly motive instead."
"Two uranium prospectors find a rich deposit-and a botanist. The botanist has no interest in riches but may have an unworldly motive instead."
On this day in 1955, Tom Corbett, Space Cadet launched "The Outpost Of Terror." According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The Polaris crew visit a remote station on one of the moons of Neptune and immediately discover a crewman who apparently died of radiation poisoning."
"The Polaris crew visit a remote station on one of the moons of Neptune and immediately discover a crewman who apparently died of radiation poisoning."
On this day in 1966, Doctor Who aired "Don't Shoot The Pianist." This served as the thirty-fifth episode in the program's third season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"With the Clantons believing the Doctor to be Doc Holliday, Wyatt Earp takes him into protective custody but this leaves Steven and Dodo in danger."
"With the Clantons believing the Doctor to be Doc Holliday, Wyatt Earp takes him into protective custody but this leaves Steven and Dodo in danger."
On this day in 1978, Project U.F.O. aired "Sighting 4010: The Waterford Incident." This served as the tenth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Major Gatlin and S Sgt. Fitz go to a Military Academy for boys in Waterford, IA that was left covered with a spider web like substance by an alleged UFO. Then they travel to Wisconsin to see a man who says he shot arrows at an alien robot."
"Major Gatlin and S Sgt. Fitz go to a Military Academy for boys in Waterford, IA that was left covered with a spider web like substance by an alleged UFO. Then they travel to Wisconsin to see a man who says he shot arrows at an alien robot."
On this day in 1979, Battle Of The Planets aired "The Fierce Flowers, Part 1." This served as the thirty-second episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provied by TV.com:
"Spectra releases spores on Earth that turn into man-eating flowers."
"Spectra releases spores on Earth that turn into man-eating flowers."
On this day in 1984, V: The Final Battle aired the second part of its three-part miniseries event on television. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Donovan is reunited with his son and joins the international Resistance headed by Ham Tyler and Chris Farber."
"Donovan is reunited with his son and joins the international Resistance headed by Ham Tyler and Chris Farber."
One of the more interesting episodes to Star Trek: The Next Generation's mostly forgettable first season is the hour titled "Conspiracy." This little thriller postulated that an alien species was secretly seizing control of Starfleet, pitting Captain Jean-Luc Picard and his crew against some of the Federation's most powerful officers. The story first aired in television syndication on this day in 1988.
It all came down to this: on this day in 1990, Alien Nation aired the last of its hourly episodes. Though the program's storylines would continue on in several made-for-TV movies, the universe launched by a stand-alone motion picture followed up by its hourly exploits came to an end with "Green Eyes," the twenty-first episode and series finale. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's what all of the hubbub was about:
"Tensions between partners erupt when Francisco passes the Detective 2 exam and is promoted over Sikes. Matt becomes uncomfortable with his attraction to Cathy. The mysterious death of a Newcomer judge points to a lethal bacterium being used as a weapon."
"Tensions between partners erupt when Francisco passes the Detective 2 exam and is promoted over Sikes. Matt becomes uncomfortable with his attraction to Cathy. The mysterious death of a Newcomer judge points to a lethal bacterium being used as a weapon."
On this day in 1990, War of the Worlds aired "The True Believer." This serves as the nineteenth episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary from TV.com:
"In desperate straits, the aliens gain a piece of valuable information: the identities of Harrison, Suzanne, and Kincaid. Soon the team has been accused of bank robbery and murder, and Malzor has taken over the police investigation."
"In desperate straits, the aliens gain a piece of valuable information: the identities of Harrison, Suzanne, and Kincaid. Soon the team has been accused of bank robbery and murder, and Malzor has taken over the police investigation."
On this day in 1994, Star Trek: The Next Generation aired "Emergence." This served as the twenty-third episode of the program's seventh season, and here's the plot summary as provided by our friends at TrekCore.com:
"The crew discover a strange modification of the ship's circuitry, one which seems to be tying many disparate systems together. When the ship's systems take measures to protect the anomaly, the truth becomes clear: an intelligence is taking over the Enterprise."
"The crew discover a strange modification of the ship's circuitry, one which seems to be tying many disparate systems together. When the ship's systems take measures to protect the anomaly, the truth becomes clear: an intelligence is taking over the Enterprise."
On this day in 1997, Star Trek: Voyager aired "Displaced." This served as the twenty-fourth episode of the program's third season, and here's the plot summary as provided by our friends at TrekCore.com:
"Crewmembers from Voyager disappear and are replaced by befuddled aliens, but the crew suspects a more sinister plot. Sure enough, the aliens are moving Voyager's crew to a penal colony in preparation to take over the ship, which Chakotay sabotages before being taken himself."
"Crewmembers from Voyager disappear and are replaced by befuddled aliens, but the crew suspects a more sinister plot. Sure enough, the aliens are moving Voyager's crew to a penal colony in preparation to take over the ship, which Chakotay sabotages before being taken himself."
On this day in 1999, "I, E.T." aired as the seventh episode of Farscape's first season. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The removal of Moya's control collar activates a homing signal. Pilot manages to mask it by landing Moya in a swamp, unsure if a Leviathan can land on a planet or take off again. They homing signal must be removed, but they need to find something to dull the pain it will cause Moya when the device is removed."
"The removal of Moya's control collar activates a homing signal. Pilot manages to mask it by landing Moya in a swamp, unsure if a Leviathan can land on a planet or take off again. They homing signal must be removed, but they need to find something to dull the pain it will cause Moya when the device is removed."
On this day in 1999, Total Recall 2070 aired "Brain Fever." Officially, this served as the tenth episode in the program's only season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The head of the Mars Miners Union is shot by a member who the attempts to kill himself. They are both sent to a hospital where Farve tries to find out why he felt a connection with the shooter, while Hume investigates the shooter's background."
"The head of the Mars Miners Union is shot by a member who the attempts to kill himself. They are both sent to a hospital where Farve tries to find out why he felt a connection with the shooter, while Hume investigates the shooter's background."
On this day in 2000, The X-Files aired "Fight Club." Officially, this served as the twentieth episode in the program's seventh season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Two strikingly similar women, who do not know one another, cause people to erupt into violence upon each other, whenever these two women come in contact. Mulder and Scully set out to solve the mystery of this unexplained violence involving the two women."
"Two strikingly similar women, who do not know one another, cause people to erupt into violence upon each other, whenever these two women come in contact. Mulder and Scully set out to solve the mystery of this unexplained violence involving the two women."
On this day in 2001, Andromeda aired "It Makes A Lovely Light." This served as the twenty-first episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Harper overrides some of Andromeda's protocols to fake a reactor meltdown to spring a surprise party for Dylan on his birthday. Beka gives him a unique gift, the map to Tarn-Vedra, the Commonwealth capital of legend. There is anxiety among the crew as they prepare to begin their journey. Seamus and Beka share an interest in an item they believe to be located on the Vedran homeworld."
"Harper overrides some of Andromeda's protocols to fake a reactor meltdown to spring a surprise party for Dylan on his birthday. Beka gives him a unique gift, the map to Tarn-Vedra, the Commonwealth capital of legend. There is anxiety among the crew as they prepare to begin their journey. Seamus and Beka share an interest in an item they believe to be located on the Vedran homeworld."
On this day in 2001, Earth: Final Conflict aired "Dark Horizons." Officially, this served as the twenty-first episode in the program's fourth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Eight Taelons are killed when protectors' implants are re-calibrated with a new imperative to kill instead of protect Taelons. They fear the Jiridians have found a way to control the CVIs. Meanwhile, their core energy continues to deplete."
"Eight Taelons are killed when protectors' implants are re-calibrated with a new imperative to kill instead of protect Taelons. They fear the Jiridians have found a way to control the CVIs. Meanwhile, their core energy continues to deplete."
One of the primary reasons that I gave up on Star Trek: Enterprise after only two seasons was that not only did the show promise to go where no one had gone before but also it had the real, honest, hard-core potential to do it, primarily by setting the show before the time periods previously explored in Trek television. Unfortunately, the powers that be couldn't help themselves but go back to tried-and-true territory, such as the episode "Regeneration" that aired on this day in 2003 as the show's twenty-third episode. It brought alive The Borg in Enterprise's canon, and that's when I really started to see the show more as a sinking ship than any attempt to reinvigorate Trek storytelling. Such is life ...
On this day in 2005, Doctor Who aired "The Long Game." This served as the seventh episode to the (restarted) program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The Doctor and Rose arrive in the year 200,000 to see The Fourth Great and Bountiful Human Empire. But something has gone wrong - someone is holding back the development of mankind. Who could have done this? And why?"
"The Doctor and Rose arrive in the year 200,000 to see The Fourth Great and Bountiful Human Empire. But something has gone wrong - someone is holding back the development of mankind. Who could have done this? And why?"
On this day in 2007, Heroes aired "Chapter 21: The Hard Part." Officially, this served as the twenty-first episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Hiro and Ando return from the future and start looking for Mr. Isaac. Bennet, Parkman, and Sprague are on their way to New York. Peter tries to convince Claire not to go to Paris, but this gets much harder when she sees Thompson with Nathan."
"Hiro and Ando return from the future and start looking for Mr. Isaac. Bennet, Parkman, and Sprague are on their way to New York. Peter tries to convince Claire not to go to Paris, but this gets much harder when she sees Thompson with Nathan."
On this day in 2010, A Good Knight's Quest aired the eleventh episode of its only season. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Dorian, Adrianna and Gabriel come face to face with Agent Zero."
"Dorian, Adrianna and Gabriel come face to face with Agent Zero."
On this day in 2010, Smallville aired "Hostage." Officially, this served as the twentieth episode in the program's ninth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Clark is surprised when Martha Kent returns to Smallville for a visit, and he's in for another surprise when she brings along her new boyfriend, Perry White, whom after he learns of Clark's dismissal from the Daily Planet, wants to help Clark reclaim his job by trying to acquire the position as editor in chief. Meanwhile, Chloe and Clark try to find a way to stop Zod and his army of Kandorians before they can take over the Earth."
"Clark is surprised when Martha Kent returns to Smallville for a visit, and he's in for another surprise when she brings along her new boyfriend, Perry White, whom after he learns of Clark's dismissal from the Daily Planet, wants to help Clark reclaim his job by trying to acquire the position as editor in chief. Meanwhile, Chloe and Clark try to find a way to stop Zod and his army of Kandorians before they can take over the Earth."
On this day in 2011, "The Curse of the Black Spot" aired as the third season to Doctor Who's sixth season. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"On board a 17th century pirate ship sailing the ocean waves, a crew under the command of one Captain Avery are being picked off one by one by a ghostly apparition. They believe it to be a legendary Siren, a beautiful and mesmerizing demon who lures men to their death with its haunting Siren song. She marks her prey before retrieving them with a black spot on their hand, a mark that means certain death. As they are becalmed and stuck in the ocean, all seems lost for the dwindling pirate crew... until three stowaways are discovered with a mysterious blue crate."
"On board a 17th century pirate ship sailing the ocean waves, a crew under the command of one Captain Avery are being picked off one by one by a ghostly apparition. They believe it to be a legendary Siren, a beautiful and mesmerizing demon who lures men to their death with its haunting Siren song. She marks her prey before retrieving them with a black spot on their hand, a mark that means certain death. As they are becalmed and stuck in the ocean, all seems lost for the dwindling pirate crew... until three stowaways are discovered with a mysterious blue crate."
On this day in 2014, The 100 aired "Day Trip," the eighth episode of the program's first season. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Shumway secretly orders one of the 100 to kill Bellamy. Meanwhile, hallucinogenic nuts provide Octavia with an opportunity to help the Grounder escape the camp, and Bellamy and Clarke investigate a nearby underground depot, where they find military weapons."
"Shumway secretly orders one of the 100 to kill Bellamy. Meanwhile, hallucinogenic nuts provide Octavia with an opportunity to help the Grounder escape the camp, and Bellamy and Clarke investigate a nearby underground depot, where they find military weapons."
On this day in 2014, Tesla Effect found its way into the consumer market for electronic games. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the premise behind the action:
"Sixth adventure of Tex Murphy, a heroic down-on-his-luck private investigator in a post-WWIII San Francisco. This time, Tex must deal with amnesia, babes, doomsday cultists, and a conspiracy surrounding Nikola Tesla's ultimate invention."
"Sixth adventure of Tex Murphy, a heroic down-on-his-luck private investigator in a post-WWIII San Francisco. This time, Tex must deal with amnesia, babes, doomsday cultists, and a conspiracy surrounding Nikola Tesla's ultimate invention."
