I watched Carnosaur (1993). I vaguely recall catching it on home video. Sadly, I don't remember Diane Ladd's part in it, but -- then again -- I have seen a billion movies and am often confusing them up in my little brain. But that scene above? You'd think I'd remember that, no? In any event, Ladd was born on this day in 1935.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Acting great Bruce Myles played a key role aboard a SciFi/Family/Comedy called Halfway Across The Galaxy And Turn Left back during the 1993/1994 Australia TV season. Myles was born on this day in 1940.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Nathan Jung played the legendary 'Ghengis Khan' aboard "The Savage Curtain," a third season adventure from the classic Star Trek series. Though he's no longer with us, Jung was born on this day in 1946.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Funnyman Garry Shandling yucked it up as a duplicitous 'Senator Stern' in several of the Marvel flicks, including Iron Man (seen above, center, with Robert Downey Jr. and Don Cheadle). Though he's no longer with us, Shandling was born on this day in 1949.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
What with Marvel's Doctor Strange being all of the rage at the multiplexes these days, I thought it apropos to give a birthday shout to Peter Hooten, the actor who played the central character in the original made-for-TV movie (Dr. Strange) back in 1978. Hooten was born on this day in 1950.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Jeff Fahey did a terrific turn as a small-town bad-ass who helped turn the tide in writer/director Robert Rodriguez's contribution to the Quentin Tarantino 'Grindhouse' experiment, Planet Terror. Fahey also had a role on ABC TV's long-running SciFi serial, Lost. Fahey was born on this day in 1952.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Guest starring gigs on weekly shows usually are nothing more than exercises in obscurity but one of Star Trek: Voyager's better morality plays -- "Tuvix" -- was a compelling hour built around some difficult choices. In it, screen veteran Tom Wright played the key role, a transporter accident's outcome merging two separate characters into one. Wright was born on this day in 1952.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Funnyman and game show host Howie Mandel provided the voice for 'Gizmo' aboard the Joe Dante directed Gremlins (1984). He also enjoyed a guest spot aboard Lois & Clark: The New Adventures Of Superman as no less than the nefarious Mr. Mxyzptlk. Mandel was born on this day in 1955.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Though her resume boasts far more conventional dramas, Kim Delaney is welcome in the realm of Science Fiction any time she'd like to join us. She did appear in 2000's rather forgettable Mission to Mars (2000), so that must count for something. Delaney was born on this day in 1961.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Arguably one of the busiest actors in the business, Tom Sizemore was recently seen in the role of Kyle Norris for the SciFi film, WEAPONiZED (2016). Previously, he made a trip to Mars along with Val Kilmer in Red Planet (2000). As for other forays into the realm of the Fantastic? There have been quite a few, including stops along the way to Strange Days (1995), The Relic (1997), Justice League (animated), Dreamcatcher (2003), Ring Around The Rosie (2006), Superstorm (2007), Suing The Devil (2011), The Speak (2011), Slumber Party Slaughter (2012), Visible Scars (2012), Paranormal Movie (2013), Remnants (2013), The Intruders (2015), Lucifer, Halloweed (2016), Cross Wars (2017), Atomica (2017), Adrenochrome (2017), The Immortal Wars (2017), Twin Peaks, Black Wake (2018), Nazi Overlord (2018), Hell Girl (2019), Monster Hunters (2020), Apocalypse Of Ice (2020), Alien Conquest (2021), Megalodon Rising (2021), Vampfather (2022), Battle For Pandora (2022), Impuratus (2022), and Mission From Outer Space (2023). Though he's no longer with us, Sizemore was born on this day in 1961.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
And speaking of Mission To Mars (2000)? Don Cheadle and his crew got there first but had to be rescued by no less than Gary Sinise in the underwhelming space flick. Go figure. Plus the actor has turned in some masterful work as one of the supporting players in the Marvel Movie Universe. Cheadle was born on this day in 1964.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
A lovely Yvonne Suhor had a guest spot aboard "Prime Factors," one of the earlier episodes of Star Trek: Voyager, wherein she caught the eye of a young Harry Kim. Though she's no longer with us, Suhor was born on this day in 1965.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The luminous Andrée Bernard joined David Tennant in an episode of the BBC's long-running Doctor Who back in 2007. Bernard was born on this day in 1966.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
While it's easy to say that Paola Turbay can heat up the screens any time and any day, she honestly doesn't do much in the realm of Science Fiction. She did have a small role aboard the 2009 TV SciFi miniseries Meteor that we can be thankful for. Turbay was born on this day in 1970.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Larry Joe Campbell earned his space legs for his work throughout eight episodes of Fox TV's The Orville's inaugural season. Campbell was born on this day in 1970.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The totally yummy Naoko Mori was one of the reasons Torchwood worked so well as a spinoff of Doctor Who; alas, the show didn't last nearly as long, though methinks the talented actress has nothing to worry about. Mori was born on this day in 1971.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
At some point, the entire Sharknado franchise become less and less about defeating these airborne threats and more and more about squeezing in celebrity cameos, largely serving as visual chum. Such is the case for Gena Lee Nolin who fared well as one of the guests in Sharknado 4: The 4th Awakens. But for those of us who fondly remember this sort of programming, the actress played the lovely TV version of Sheena. Nolin was born on this day in 1971.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The Office's Brian Baumgartner played a role aboard Astronaut: The Last Push (2012) for TMA-1 Productions. The funnyman was born on this day in 1972.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Lovely Anna Faris joined the dour and occasionally politically-repugnant Chris O'Dowd to answer those Frequently Asked Questions About Time Travel (2009). Faris was born on this day in 1976.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Chadwick Boseman's star rose within the greater Marvel Movie Universe when he took on the role of the 'Black Panther' in Captain America: Civil War (2016) and the subsequent entries. If you forget all about the Blade movies and believe only the media hype, then he's the first African-American superhero on film. Wow! Though he's no longer with us, Boseman was born on this day in 1976.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Beatrice Rosen was just one of the ensemble players who braved 2012's impending Mayan Apocalypse and lived to tell about it. Or did she? You'll have to watch the picture to find out! Rosen was born on this day in 1977.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Earlier in her professional career, the lovely Aimée Castle enjoyed small roles aboard Scanners III: The Takeover (1991) and Laserhawk (1997). Castle was born on this day in 1978.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Lauren German continues to shine on both the big and small screens. Genre fans may recognize her from her role in The Divide (2012), yet one more look at a SciFi-themed Apocalypse. German was born on this day in 1978.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2023, I had the good fortune of stumbling across a pay cable airing of The Divide, in which German proved herself a pretty capable lead. Interested in my thoughts on the production? Readers can find my review right here.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2023, I had the good fortune of stumbling across a pay cable airing of The Divide, in which German proved herself a pretty capable lead. Interested in my thoughts on the production? Readers can find my review right here.
Small town America got a whole lot prettier thanks to the birth of Janina Gavankar. Hailing from Joliet, Illinois (of all places!), the actress has booked time aboard such properties as Stargate: Atlantis, Dollhouse, True Blood, and Arrow. Gavankar was born on this day in 1980.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Londoner Gemma Chan appeared in the wonderful SciFi television program Humans, a show that dealt with 'synthetics' living in a modern reality. Previous roles include an appearance on the BBC's epic SciFi/Fantasy franchise, Doctor Who. Chan was born on this day in 1982.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Even as an urchin, Lucas Black was a terrific actor. I remember marveling at his work in TV's American Gothic and on the big screen in Sling Blade. Thank goodness he gave SciFi a try -- complete with the alien 'black oil' possession -- with a role aboard the first The X-Files movie. Black was born on this day in 1982.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Laura Marano's resume is filled with more conventional dramas and comedies, but she did sport a guest spot aboard ABC TV's short-lived FlashForward back in 2010. Marano was born on this day in 1995.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
A star is born! On this day in 1959, The Atomic Submarine found its way from the murky depths into SciFi reality. This one was an entry from genre greats Irving Block and Rabin, and the feature was directed by Spencer Gordon Bennet. The cast included ARthur Franz, Dick Foran, and Brett Halsey. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Ships mysteriously disappear on route across the Arctic Sea, and a specially-equipped submarine is sent to investigate."
"Ships mysteriously disappear on route across the Arctic Sea, and a specially-equipped submarine is sent to investigate."
On this day in 1968 (in West Germany), The War Of The Planets broke out. Theatrically, that is. Directed by Antonio Margheriti, the SciFi/Drama starred Tony Russel, Lisa Gastoni, and Franco Nero. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In the 21st century, aliens (weird, green, lights which sometimes manifest themselves as large clouds of smoke) invade the solar system. Using Mars as their base, they steal all of Earth's space stations then brainwash or kill the crews. Next stop: Earth, unless Tony Russel and his crew can stop them."
"In the 21st century, aliens (weird, green, lights which sometimes manifest themselves as large clouds of smoke) invade the solar system. Using Mars as their base, they steal all of Earth's space stations then brainwash or kill the crews. Next stop: Earth, unless Tony Russel and his crew can stop them."
A star is born! On this day in 1994, the SciFi/Telefilm Bionic Ever After? gave Steve Austin and Jamie Sommers -- aka The Six Million Dollar Man and The Bionic Woman -- a chance at cybernetic matrimonial happiness. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary behind the picture:
"Steve Austin and Jamie Summers are about to get married. However, before they can, something is happening to Jamie. It seems like her bionics are failing, and no one knows what's wrong with her. It seems that someone has been doing something to her, who and why? At the same time an old friend of Steve's is being held prisoner by some terrorists and Steve, needing to take his mind of Jamie, offers to go and help."
"Steve Austin and Jamie Summers are about to get married. However, before they can, something is happening to Jamie. It seems like her bionics are failing, and no one knows what's wrong with her. It seems that someone has been doing something to her, who and why? At the same time an old friend of Steve's is being held prisoner by some terrorists and Steve, needing to take his mind of Jamie, offers to go and help."
On this day in 1996, Adrenalin: Fear the Rush first screened in the U.S. (and Spain) theatrically. (This is another one that I've not heard of nor seen.) According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the film's plot summary:
"The Russian government has collapsed. Amidst the chaos, riots, and struggle for power, a terrible weapon has leaked out. Virulent microflage, a deadly germ of the cold war has begun to spread across Eastern Europe, killing massive numbers of people. Now, in a quarantine camp set up for immigrants in 2017 Boston, one vicious murderer has the disease. Within two hours he will become violently contagious, and it is up to a team of officers in a race against time to track him down and stop him... if he doesn't kill them first."
"The Russian government has collapsed. Amidst the chaos, riots, and struggle for power, a terrible weapon has leaked out. Virulent microflage, a deadly germ of the cold war has begun to spread across Eastern Europe, killing massive numbers of people. Now, in a quarantine camp set up for immigrants in 2017 Boston, one vicious murderer has the disease. Within two hours he will become violently contagious, and it is up to a team of officers in a race against time to track him down and stop him... if he doesn't kill them first."
On this day in 2003, Epoch: Evolution evolved on the television set. The SciFi/Telefilm starred David Keith and Billy Dee Williams, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"10 years after the first Alien object (Torus) arose. Two more Torus appear causing havoc on a global level."
"10 years after the first Alien object (Torus) arose. Two more Torus appear causing havoc on a global level."
On this day in 2005 (in the Netherlands), the Adult/SciFi feature known as Baberellas enjoyed its debut on home video. Written (in part) and directed by Chuck Cirino, the SciFi/Adult feature starred Shauna O'Brien, Julie K. Smith, and Regina Russell Banali. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"An alien who plans on taking over the Earth, starts by wiping out people libidos. The only ones that can stop this is a scantily clad, female rock group."
"An alien who plans on taking over the Earth, starts by wiping out people libidos. The only ones that can stop this is a scantily clad, female rock group."
On this day in 2012 (in Germany), The Ghostmaker served up chills by way of some lite-SciFi. The feature starred Aaron Dean Eisenberg and Liz Fenning, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A group of friends use an ancient coffin to experience the world as ghosts."
"A group of friends use an ancient coffin to experience the world as ghosts."
On this day in 2018, the Indian-language 2.0 enjoyed its theatrical premiere in a whole host of places, including Australia, Canada, Germany, Denmark, the U.K., Indonesia, Ireland, India, New Zealand, and the United States. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"After mobiles start mysteriously flying out of the hands of people in Chennai, Dr Vaseegaran summons his trusted robot Chitti to ward off the bird-shaped supernatural powers of Pakshirajan."
"After mobiles start mysteriously flying out of the hands of people in Chennai, Dr Vaseegaran summons his trusted robot Chitti to ward off the bird-shaped supernatural powers of Pakshirajan."
"Wink of An Eye" aired on this day back in 1968. The story involved a species of aliens who exist at a differing rate of time than Earthlings do invading the Enterprise; they abduct Capt. Kirk, and, wouldn't you know it, the plot even gives him a gal pal to squeeze!
It all came down to this: on this day in 1972, Ace Of Wands bowed out of televised existence with the broadcast of The Beautiful People: Part 4." Here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"When Mikki is refused entry to a small town fête run by two astonishing beautiful girls, Dee and Emm, Tarot investigates. He uncovers a complicated plot organized by a group of extra terrestrials - beautiful people with very special powers."
"When Mikki is refused entry to a small town fête run by two astonishing beautiful girls, Dee and Emm, Tarot investigates. He uncovers a complicated plot organized by a group of extra terrestrials - beautiful people with very special powers."
On this day in 1975, Doctor Who aired "The Android Invasion: Part 2." This served as the fourteenth episode of the program's thirteenth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The Doctor suspects Crayford brought something to Earth in his rocket, as he and Sarah find themselves hunted by UNIT."
"The Doctor suspects Crayford brought something to Earth in his rocket, as he and Sarah find themselves hunted by UNIT."
The lovely Princess Ardala (as played by the glamorous looking Pamela Hensley) returns to cause more trouble for Capt. Buck Rogers in "Escape from Wedded Bliss." It aired on this day back in 1979.
On this day in 1985, Knight Rider aired "Knight Racer." This served as the ninth episode of the program's fourth (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Although Devon would rather have Michael on a Rembrandt forgery case in Cincinnati, he allows him to help a mechanic friend of Bonnie's, Elena Thomas, who's facing sabotage on the racetrack. Since Elena's top driver has been killed in an accident apparently caused by her faultiness, Michael volunteers to take the man's place."
"Although Devon would rather have Michael on a Rembrandt forgery case in Cincinnati, he allows him to help a mechanic friend of Bonnie's, Elena Thomas, who's facing sabotage on the racetrack. Since Elena's top driver has been killed in an accident apparently caused by her faultiness, Michael volunteers to take the man's place."
On this day in 1985, Misfits of Science aired "Steer Crazy." This served as the seventh episode of the program's only season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A meteor impacts on a farm and radiates the cows grazing there. All is well until they are converted into hamburgers and served, unknowingly, by Gloria to three Senior Citizens who develop powers. Shortly thereafter, problems arise."
"A meteor impacts on a farm and radiates the cows grazing there. All is well until they are converted into hamburgers and served, unknowingly, by Gloria to three Senior Citizens who develop powers. Shortly thereafter, problems arise."
On this day in 1987, Captain Power and the Soldiers of the Future aired "Flame Street." This served as the eleventh episode of the program's first (and only) season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Power and his soldiers travel to Tech City to enter the Cyberweb and try to gain information about Project New Order. But as soon as Power enters cyberspace, so does Lord Dread with the intention to destroy the captain's mind."
"Power and his soldiers travel to Tech City to enter the Cyberweb and try to gain information about Project New Order. But as soon as Power enters cyberspace, so does Lord Dread with the intention to destroy the captain's mind."
On this day in 1989, Doctor Who aired "Survival: Part 2." This served as the thirteenth episode of the program's twenty-sixth season, and here's the plot summary that's provided by IMDB.com:
"The Doctor and Paterson manage to escape from the Master and join up with Ace and her friends, where the Doctor tries to find a way to get them all off the planet before it explodes."
"The Doctor and Paterson manage to escape from the Master and join up with Ace and her friends, where the Doctor tries to find a way to get them all off the planet before it explodes."
On this day in 1989, Quantum Leap aired "So Help Me God." This served as the ninth episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary that's provided by IMDB.com:
"Sam must defend a young black woman charged with murdering the son of a powerful Southern political figure."
"Sam must defend a young black woman charged with murdering the son of a powerful Southern political figure."
On this day in 1993, Lois & Clark: The New Adventures Of Superman aired "Pheromone, My Love." This served as the tenth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A series of romantic complications unfolds as a chemist sprays the newsroom with a pheromone induced perfume."
"A series of romantic complications unfolds as a chemist sprays the newsroom with a pheromone induced perfume."
On this day in 1993, "One on One" aired as the twenty-first episode of Time Trax's (split) first season. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Darien falls into a trap set by Sahmbi, explicitly done to test Sahmbi's new invention, a form of mind control, pitting Darien against himself in a battle to keep his sanity."
"Darien falls into a trap set by Sahmbi, explicitly done to test Sahmbi's new invention, a form of mind control, pitting Darien against himself in a battle to keep his sanity."
On this day in 1996, Sliders aired "Dead Man Sliding." This served as the tenth episode of the program's third season, and here's the plot summary that's provided by IMDB.com:
"The Sliders arrive in a world virtually crime free. What criminals there are perform on a game show where they play for their lives. Mallory is captured due to previous convictions by his double on the world. The rest of the Sliders go to the studio where the show is made. The correct Mallory sees the show and is dumbfounded by the turn of events. As the trial continues, Wade and Rembrandt decide to uncover any information about the real crime they can. Despite Arturo's best efforts Mallory is found guilty and sentenced to death live on TV."
"The Sliders arrive in a world virtually crime free. What criminals there are perform on a game show where they play for their lives. Mallory is captured due to previous convictions by his double on the world. The rest of the Sliders go to the studio where the show is made. The correct Mallory sees the show and is dumbfounded by the turn of events. As the trial continues, Wade and Rembrandt decide to uncover any information about the real crime they can. Despite Arturo's best efforts Mallory is found guilty and sentenced to death live on TV."
On this day in 1998, The X-Files aired "Dreamland: Part 1." This served as the fourth episode of the popular program's sixth season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"An anonymous tip finally brings Mulder and Scully to the mecca of all UFO lore, Area 51. But when the agents witness the flight of a mysterious craft there, Mulder and one of the Men in Black, Fletcher, somehow switch bodies - and lives."
"An anonymous tip finally brings Mulder and Scully to the mecca of all UFO lore, Area 51. But when the agents witness the flight of a mysterious craft there, Mulder and one of the Men in Black, Fletcher, somehow switch bodies - and lives."
On this day in 1999, Gene Roddenberry's Earth: Final Conflict aired "In Memory." This served as the ninth episode in the program's third season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Lili wakes up, supposedly on Earth after a coma, and is told the Jaridians have come and conquered the Taelons. She remembers Sandoval telling her she no longer has and Earth-based physiology and believes things are not as they seem."
"Lili wakes up, supposedly on Earth after a coma, and is told the Jaridians have come and conquered the Taelons. She remembers Sandoval telling her she no longer has and Earth-based physiology and believes things are not as they seem."
On this day in 1999, Sherlock Holmes In The 22nd Century aired "The Musgrave Ritual." This served as the twelfth episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Fenton steals the Muskrave sword from the British Museum. Moriarty thinks he has deciphered the Muskrave ritual that leads to a powerful meteor from which the sword was forged."
"Fenton steals the Muskrave sword from the British Museum. Moriarty thinks he has deciphered the Muskrave ritual that leads to a powerful meteor from which the sword was forged."
On this day in 2000, Star Trek: Voyager aired an impressive two-parter featuring the Hirogen. "Flesh and Blood" saw these alien hunters sending out a distress call to Capt. Janeway and her crew when it appears that their holographic prey have become too cunning for them to defeat.
On this day in the year 2000, Starhunter aired the fifth episode of its first season. The adventure was titled "The Man Who Sold The World," and here's the plot summary as provided by Wikipedia.org:
"Dante and Luc go after a ruthless war criminal named Novak who is hiding on Pluto, a man Luc says she has a personal vendetta against for his involvement in the civil war on Callisto. In reality, her father Darius wants Luc to uncover Novak's deadly experiments with the Divinity Cluster. In an effort to avoid capture, Novak uploads a chaotic A.I. virus called "Billy Ray" to the Tulip that battles the Tulip's A.I. "Caravaggio," for control of the ship."
"Dante and Luc go after a ruthless war criminal named Novak who is hiding on Pluto, a man Luc says she has a personal vendetta against for his involvement in the civil war on Callisto. In reality, her father Darius wants Luc to uncover Novak's deadly experiments with the Divinity Cluster. In an effort to avoid capture, Novak uploads a chaotic A.I. virus called "Billy Ray" to the Tulip that battles the Tulip's A.I. "Caravaggio," for control of the ship."
On this day in 2011, Shelf Life aired "Fluffer #7." This served as the fifth episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as listed on IMDB.com:
"A lazy day on the shelf lulls the gang into pondering what paths their lives may have taken had they not gotten into the action figure business."
"A lazy day on the shelf lulls the gang into pondering what paths their lives may have taken had they not gotten into the action figure business."