It may've just been a smoggy bodyless head to some, but to SciFi fans that's Abraham Sofaer from "Charlie X," a first season episode of the classic Star Trek. The talented actor also booked time aboard The Twilight Zone, The Outer Limits, The Time Tunnel, and Lost In Space. Though he's no longer with us, Sofaer was born on this day in 1896.
Respect your elders, and they'll always do you right. That's the case with screen veteran James Whitmore. He didn't dabble in SciFi as much as I would've liked, but -- when he did -- he certainly did great things. For those of you who haven't seen the terrific giant ant movie from 1954 -- Them! -- you've certainly missed something. Whitmore played Police Sergeant Ben Peterson in it. In 1968, he played a distinct figure of authority -- the President of the Assembly -- in the landmark original Planet of the Apes. In his career, he also made a stop at The Twilight Zone just for good measure. Though he's no longer with us, Whitmore was born on this day in 1921.
Most folks know veteran actor George Peppard from either war movies or his run on The A-Team in the 1980's. Well, he also played a part in the Roger Corman SciFi flick, Battle Beyond the Stars, where he turned up as an aging mercenary-for-hire looking for one last great war to wage when he comes to the defense of an oppressed people. Check it out on home video if you haven't seen it. Though he's no longer with us, Peppard was born on this day in 1928.
In the modern era, few films have dipped as deeply into the realm of Magical Fantasy as have the Harry Potter flicks, and the great Richard Harris enjoyed bringing Albus Dumbledore to life for a few of them. Though he's no longer with us, Harris was born on this day in 1930. [Source: IMDB.com]
In a town run like Hollywood, when you look as good as Stella Stevens then you're going to get work! SciFi fans might recognize her from work aboard Wonder Woman, Highlander, Virtual Combat (1995), Star Hunter (1996), Subliminal Seduction (1996), and Invisible Mom (1996). Stevens was born on this day in 1936.
The second (and shortened) season of NBC's Buck Rogers in the 25th Century ends up being sadly maligned by so many TV critics, and I think that's a shame, largely because that season actually felt much more like some classic Star Trek episodes than have many other programs in the history of television. Still, a slimmed-down budget contributed to some general production malaise, I suspect, and the show disappeared from the airwaves. In any event, Peter Kastner appeared in a second season outing -- "The Hand of the Goral" -- a cautionary tale about a planet's deep dark secret to find new 'heroes' to worship. Though he's no longer with us, Kastner was born on this day in 1943.
In Star Trek: The Motion Picture, Stephen Collins appeared as the young and ambitious Commander Willard Decker. He was intended to be the new captain of the Starship Enterprise, subsequent to its refit, but circumstances involving the emergence of a new threat to the galaxy brought Jim Kirk out of retirement, and Decker's career was temporarily put on hold. Mr. Collins also recently enjoyed a brief stint as the President of the United States for TNT's alien invasion drama, Falling Skies. Collins was born on this day back in 1947.
In my humble estimation, Natalija Nogulich remains one of the loveliest Starfleet Admirals in the history of the fleet, and I for one would've certainly loved to see more of her during Star Trek: The Next Generation's run. Nogulich was born on this day in 1950.
There's nothing wrong with playing the part of comic relief. There's especially nothing wrong with it when the script gives you as big a scene as it did the venerable Randy Quaid in 1996's terrific alien invasion romp Independence Day. Long live the comic relief! (And -- if you can't live long -- then make sure you get a big finish.) Quaid was born on this day in 1950.
Elizabeth Dennehy played the wonderfully prissy Commander Shelby in the memorable Star Trek: The Next Generation two-parter, "The Best of Both Worlds" ... so much so that didn't you want to hiss at her every time she was on screen? I know I did. Still, I guess she redeemed herself by the storyline's big finish. The lovely and talented Dennehy was born on this day back in 1960.
2009's The Fourth Kind wasn't a perfect SciFi/Horror hybrid, but when dealing with the topic of possible extraterrestrial manipulations it was moody and atmospheric enough to interest me. Hakeen Kae-Kazim had a solid role in the flick, and Kae-Kazim was born on this day in 1962.
As a brilliant character actor, Esai Morales first caught my eye as part of the ensemble on NYPD Blue, but I was glad to see him venture into the worlds of Science Fiction not long after, securing roles in such properties as Jericho and eventually Syfy's Caprica. Keep an eye on this guy; he's always doing something sharp. Morales was born on this day in 1962.
It may not be much, but funnyman Christopher Titus did make an appearance in the SciFi/Cult flick, Killer Klowns From Outer Space, and -- yes -- that deserves a mention here. Titus was born on this day in 1964.
Oh, behave! The delicious Cindy Margolis not only appeared as a Fembot in the zany Austin Powers film but also had a role in Syfy's Sharknado 3: Oh Hell No! Margolis was born on this day in 1965.
When the SciFi property Timecop made the jump from the big screen to the small screen, actor T.W. 'Ted' King took over the lead as Officer Jack Logan. Sadly, it only lasted nine episodes, but everyone knows that's long enough for a cult property to find an audience. King was born on this day in 1965.
The stunning Amy Lindsay (above right) has made several different types of pictures -- many of them a bit steamy in nature -- and she even made time for an appearance aboard Star Trek: Voyager for good measure. Lindsay was born on this day in 1966.
The odds are very good that if you've ever put on a Starfleet uniform -- as Jay Underwood did in an episode of UPN's Star Trek: Voyager -- then we're going to find you! Underwood was born on this day in 1968.
Aside from an impressive history in voice acting (including performances on Mass Effect 3, The Bureau: XCom Declassified, and Halo 5: Guardians), the talented Brandon Keener has shown his face in works like Galaxy Quest (1999), Invasion, and The Purge: Anarchy (2014). Keener was born on this day in 1974.
The lovely Katie Aselton enjoyed a modest amount of screen time in an important role aboard FX Network's Legion. Aselton was born on this day in 1978. [Source: IMDB.com]
Of course, Holly Elissa, we want to hear you alerting us to the coming SciFi catastrophes in Polar Storm (2009), Ice Quake (2010), and even Collision Earth (2011)! The problem is: we can't take our eyes of YOU! This lovely lady has also booked appearances aboard such properties as The Outer Limits, Stargate: SG-1, Stargate: Atlantis, Battlestar Galactica, Kyle XY, Alien Incursion (2006), Flash Gordon, Eureka, and Fringe. Elissa was born on this day in 1979.
I really do need to get around to watching Real Steal (2011), and now that I know the lovely Olga Fonda has a key role in the picture I really have no excuse to avoid it any longer. Fonda was born on this day in 1982.
The dreamy Emerald Fennell enjoyed screen time aboard the poorly received Pan back in 2015. Fennell was born on this day in 1985. [Source: IMDB.com]
Critical darling Brie Larson dipped her feet into Science Fiction and Fantasy's waters with a solid performance in Kong: Skull Island (2017). Larson was born on this day in 1989. [Source: IMDB.com]
Relative newcomer Danika Yarosh filled some very big shoes by stepping into the world of Heroes in the somewhat short-lived Heroes Reborn when the franchise returned to television in 2015. Yarosh was born on this day in 1998.
Think of me what you will but The Brain From Planet Arous looks and sounds like the kind of SciFi shlock I grew up and loved watching when I was a young'un. It premiered on this day in 1957, and here's the plot from IMDB.com:
"Gor, a powerful criminal brain from the planet Arous, assumes the body of scientist Steve March. Through March, he begins to control the world by threatening destruction to any country challenging his domination. Another brain, Val, works with March's future wife Sally to defeat Gor. Val explains that Gor will be vulnerable when he is forced to leave March at intervals to re-energize. Gor's vulnerable spot, the Fissure of Orlando, is described in a note left by Sally in Steve's lab."
"Gor, a powerful criminal brain from the planet Arous, assumes the body of scientist Steve March. Through March, he begins to control the world by threatening destruction to any country challenging his domination. Another brain, Val, works with March's future wife Sally to defeat Gor. Val explains that Gor will be vulnerable when he is forced to leave March at intervals to re-energize. Gor's vulnerable spot, the Fissure of Orlando, is described in a note left by Sally in Steve's lab."
On this day in 1976 (in the Netherlands), the SciFi/Drama Lifespan premiered. The feature starred Hiram Keller and Tina Aumont, and here's the plot summary as cited on IMDB.com:
"A doctor trying to develop a serum to lengthen life tries his formula out on the unsuspecting residents of an old-age home."
"A doctor trying to develop a serum to lengthen life tries his formula out on the unsuspecting residents of an old-age home."
On this day in 1998, the SciFi/Telefilm Futuresport showed us yet one more dark portrait about tomorrow. The feature starred Dean Cain and Vanessa Williams, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"In 2025, Futuresport is the organized sport of the planet. But someone else is getting organized and their game is war."
"In 2025, Futuresport is the organized sport of the planet. But someone else is getting organized and their game is war."
On this day in 2002, the Fantasy-themed Max Magician and the Legend of the Rings premiered on home video. The feature starred Timothy Stultz and Erika Ann, and here's the plot summary compliments of IMDB.com:
"Max Magician and the LEGEND of the RINGS is a magical tale about young Max, a shy, bullied boy. His life is forever changed when he receives an ancient magical book that opens a mystical door into an enchanted kingdom where an adventure filled with warriors, elves, queens and sorcerers awaits. Once the young magician learns that an evil underworld king threatens the beautiful forest realm, Max must summon the courage and knowledge to help them survive. Join him on his magical adventure to a world where people and forests are one, kings and queens still rule, animals talk and mysterious villains haunt the shadows. Follow Max's journey as he transforms from a timid weakling to a skilled warrior and master of sorcery, returning to his own world after saving another with more confidence and wisdom that ever imagined."
"Max Magician and the LEGEND of the RINGS is a magical tale about young Max, a shy, bullied boy. His life is forever changed when he receives an ancient magical book that opens a mystical door into an enchanted kingdom where an adventure filled with warriors, elves, queens and sorcerers awaits. Once the young magician learns that an evil underworld king threatens the beautiful forest realm, Max must summon the courage and knowledge to help them survive. Join him on his magical adventure to a world where people and forests are one, kings and queens still rule, animals talk and mysterious villains haunt the shadows. Follow Max's journey as he transforms from a timid weakling to a skilled warrior and master of sorcery, returning to his own world after saving another with more confidence and wisdom that ever imagined."
On this day in 2010, the SciFi/Action/Romance feature Enthiran found its way into our collective consciousness. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's all you need to know about that:
"An android constructed by a scientist falls in love with the bride-to-be of his creator."
"An android constructed by a scientist falls in love with the bride-to-be of his creator."
On this day in 2010, Virus X found a way to bug audiences yet again. The SciFi/Horror hybrid starred Jai Day and Domiziano Arcangeli, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"After being infected with a hyper-deadly virus mutation, five medical scientists must escape quarantine and force their way to freedom. Only a mysterious, silver-haired enforcer stands in their way."
"After being infected with a hyper-deadly virus mutation, five medical scientists must escape quarantine and force their way to freedom. Only a mysterious, silver-haired enforcer stands in their way."
On this day in 1982, The Powers of Matthew Star aired "Daredevil." This served as the third episode of the program's only season, and here's the plot summary from TV.com:
"Matthew uses his telepathic powers to supercharge a friend's stuntwork without their knowledge."
"Matthew uses his telepathic powers to supercharge a friend's stuntwork without their knowledge."
On this day in 1986, The Adventures of the Galaxy Rangers aired "The Ax." This (technically) served as the program's sixteenth episode (they were aired wildly out of order), and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Roy, an old prospector friend of Niko's, calls the Rangers when he discover something from an ancient civilization. Niko and Doc go to investigate and encounter the Ax. A giant robot that's supposed to guard the treasure that was left behind."
"Roy, an old prospector friend of Niko's, calls the Rangers when he discover something from an ancient civilization. Niko and Doc go to investigate and encounter the Ax. A giant robot that's supposed to guard the treasure that was left behind."
The fourth hour of The X-Files' exciting first season aired on this day in 1993. It was titled "Conduit," and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Mulder becomes obsessed with solving a case that closely parallels an 'encounter' he experienced as a child."
"Mulder becomes obsessed with solving a case that closely parallels an 'encounter' he experienced as a child."
In "The Farthest Man from Home," Lt. Nathan West of Space: Above and Beyond abandons his post when his ship, the USS Saratoga, passes close to where his girlfriend disappeared after being attacked by the Chigs (aliens). The episode first aired on this day back in 1995.
On this day in 1996, The Burning Zone aired "Night Flight." This served as the fifth episode of the program's only season, and here's the plot summary as provided by our friends at IMDB.com:
"Unknown hemorrhagic fever runs rampant on a Boing 747, the plane is denied landing permit and the team must work out of a small bio lab in the cargo hold in an attempt to keep the pilots alive long enough to land the plane."
"Unknown hemorrhagic fever runs rampant on a Boing 747, the plane is denied landing permit and the team must work out of a small bio lab in the cargo hold in an attempt to keep the pilots alive long enough to land the plane."
On this day in 2000, Code Name: Eternity aired "Project Midas." This served as the nineteenth episode of the program's first (and only) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by TV.com:
"The Midas Prototype, an experimental cold fusion device, is stolen from an armored security van. Byder tells Ethaniel and Laura that all his information leads him to believe that Banning must have been involved. Banning had been trying to get the prototype's inventor, Sylvia Deschamps, to come and work for him and she had refused. If he really wanted to get hold of the machine her refusal would not have stopped him from getting his hands on her invention. Knowing that Banning will not stop at having just the machine Ethaniel and Laura track down Sylvia and warn her that Banning will be after her next, she doesn't believe them but is soon convinced when Dent arrives with some of thugs to grab her. Ethaniel escapes with Sylvia but Dent captures Laura. Banning offers to trade Laura for the machine, but if he hasn't got it who has?"
"The Midas Prototype, an experimental cold fusion device, is stolen from an armored security van. Byder tells Ethaniel and Laura that all his information leads him to believe that Banning must have been involved. Banning had been trying to get the prototype's inventor, Sylvia Deschamps, to come and work for him and she had refused. If he really wanted to get hold of the machine her refusal would not have stopped him from getting his hands on her invention. Knowing that Banning will not stop at having just the machine Ethaniel and Laura track down Sylvia and warn her that Banning will be after her next, she doesn't believe them but is soon convinced when Dent arrives with some of thugs to grab her. Ethaniel escapes with Sylvia but Dent captures Laura. Banning offers to trade Laura for the machine, but if he hasn't got it who has?"
On this day in 2001, Earth: Final Conflict aired "Unearthed." This served as the first episode of the program's fifth (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Renee has spent company money and time on a search and rescue team to discover what happened to Liam in the chamber. She is asked to cease or quit. She quits, convinced that Liam is alive. Street helps her put together a new search team."
"Renee has spent company money and time on a search and rescue team to discover what happened to Liam in the chamber. She is asked to cease or quit. She quits, convinced that Liam is alive. Street helps her put together a new search team."
It all began right here: on this day in 2001, TV's Mutant X mutated into existence. The first adventure was titled "The Shock of the New," and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A mutant empath on the run from mysterious government agents is rescued by a team of fellow "New Mutants" - the group known as Mutant X."
"A mutant empath on the run from mysterious government agents is rescued by a team of fellow "New Mutants" - the group known as Mutant X."
On this day in 2012, Alphas aired "Life After Death." This served as the tenth episode of the program's second (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as listed on IMDB.com:
"How does one grieve and move on from a terrible loss? Everyone's process is different. Dani's shocking death at the hands of Parish leaves Rosen and the team grasping for lifelines."
"How does one grieve and move on from a terrible loss? Everyone's process is different. Dani's shocking death at the hands of Parish leaves Rosen and the team grasping for lifelines."
