You don't more SciFi pulpy than what you get when you open the pages of a Green Lantern comic book. The saga of Hal Jordan, the original 'guardian' of Sector 2814, finally graced the big screen in 2011's awfully tepid Green Lantern movie starring this man, Ryan Reynolds. To his credit, Reynolds did the best he could with the material ... and therein rests the problem: it just wasn't very good. Reynolds was born on this day back in 1976. [Source: IMDB.com]
When The Invisible Man (1933) appeared on the scene theatrically, it was Una O'Connor as 'Jenny Hall' who had the first fateful run-in with the madman. Though she's no longer with us, O'Connor was born on this day in 1880. [Source: IMDB.com]
Screen veteran James Daly had not one but two great chances to leave his mark on all of SciFiDom, and both of them took place in the late 1960's. He played Flint in the third season Star Trek episode "Requiem for Methuselah," and he played Honorius (to great effect, I might add) in the original theatrical version of Planet of the Apes. Though he's no longer with us, Daly was born on this day in 1918.
The lovely Coleen Gray made a few appearances in the realm of Science Fiction, including roles aboard The Leech Woman (1960) and The Phantom Planet (1961). Though she's no longer with us, Gray was born on this day in 1922.
Actor Bruce Mars had the good fortune of appearing on the original Star Trek not once, not twice, but three times (one visit went uncredited) as well as booking guest starring roles on Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea and The Time Tunnel. Mars was born on this day in 1935.
Stanley Anderson has certainly left a mark on the world of some high profile SciFi projects. He's been seen aboard Robocop 3 (1993), Armageddon (1998), The X-Files, Roswell, and Spider-Man (2002). Though he's no longer with us, Anderson was born on this day in 1939. [Source: IMDB.com]
Once again, the face may not mean anything, but his words have immeasurable value to sci-fi fans everywhere: the late Michael Crichton was born on this day back in 1942. He penned many novels that have been the source for some of the best science and sci-fi-based thrillers for a generation, including The Andromeda Strain, Runaway, and the very first Jurassic Park.
One of Melodie Johnson's last screen appearances was aboard the short-lived Project U.F.O. in the late 1970's. Since then, she's disappeared from the entertainment business. Johnson was born on this day in 1943. [Source: IMDB.com]
Trekkies, Trekkers, and general Trek enthusiasts everywhere know the name of Ira Steven Behr. After all, it was Behr who helped create one of the more compelling yet slightly different versions of Trek today -- Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. He went on to work on other SciFi properties, including Dark Angel, The Twilight Zone, The 4400, Alphas, and Outlander. Behr was born on this day in 1953.
As an actor, singer Dwight Yoakam has always pursued roles that kinda/sorta work with his 'odd duck' persona. Most recently, he was part of the ensemble living Under The Dome for Stephen King at CBS. Yoakam was born on this day in 1956.
Al Yankovic -- far more affectionately known to his fans everywhere as 'Weird Al' -- has embraced his Star Wars fandom in such a public way that he's contributed song parodies to the legend ... and, for the record, they're nothing short of brilliant. Yankovic was born on this day in 1959.
Writer/director Sam Raimi has a long-established reputation for both quality and cult-ish genre projects. Largely responsible for the Evil Dead franchise, Raimi has also kept his hands busy in creating Darkman, M.A.N.T.I.S., Jack of All Trades, Cleopatra 2525, Hercules: The Legendary Journeys, Xena: Warrior Princess, and much, much more. Plus he played a significant hand in launching the current big-screen-comic-book-superhero properties with his bold take on Spider-man. Raimi was born on this day in 1959.
Beatie Edney was, indeed, the first delicious creation that stirred the Highlander to love. Alas, she was little more than a mere mortal, though isn't it pretty cool to star in one of the most revered cult flicks of all time? Edney was born on this day in 1962.
SciFi fans may not know David Sobolov's face, but methinks they'll recognize the voices! (Or will they?) Ah, to name but a few, he's helped bring to life beloved characters from such animated properties as Robocop: Alpha Command, Transformers Prime, and Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy, not too mention many more video gaming projects. Sobolov was born on this day in 1964.
Brooke Theiss certainly is no stranger to genre properties. She's enjoyed screen time aboard Nightmare on Elm Street 4: The Dream Master (1988), They Came From Outer Space, and Catwoman (2004). Theiss was born on this day in 1969. [Source: IMDB.com]
The lovely Boti Bliss took a break from her regular gig aboard CSI: Miami back in 2008 for an appearance in the SciFi/Horror hybrid Pulse 2: Afterlife. Bliss was born on this day in 1975. [Source: IMDB.com]
So many Apocalypses, so little time ... the lovely Manuela Velasco has found stardom via her recurring appearances aboard the Spanish-language [Rec] universe of films. Velasco was born on this day in 1975. [Source: IMDB.com]
True fact: some of Science Fiction's biggest fans are kept busy behind-the-scenes more than in front of it. Such is the case with up'n'coming director Olatunde Osunsanmi who has worked on such high profile entities as The Fourth Kind, Minority Report, Under the Dome, The Last Ship, and TNT's Falling Skies. Osunsanmi was born on this day in 1977.
Robert Belushi has played in the Marvel universe making a few appearances aboard ABC TV's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. in 2014. Could he somehow return to the fold? Belushi was born on this day in 1980.
OMG, thank God I can swim! The lovely Serah D'Laine dipped her fins into the realm of Fantasy with an aquatic role aboard the Fantasy/Telefilm Mermaids. She also played the tough and vulnerable 'Carey Fleming' in 2010's mildly waterlogged The Rig for OffSpring Productions. D'Laine was born on this day in 1982. [Source: IMDB.com]
In his youth, Bradley Pierce (above left) found box office success for his work aboard Jumanji (1995). He also enjoyed a guest spot aboard Star Trek: Voyager. Pierce was born on this day in 1982. [Source: IMDB.com]
Syfy's modern day monster movie franchise Sharknado continues to ensnare only the loveliest guest stars into its ranks. Today evidence: Masiela Lusha dipped into the property in the role of 'Gemini' for Sharknado 4: The 4th Awakens (2016). Lusha was born on this day in 1985. [Source: IMDB.com]
Not even the star power of Game Of Thrones' superstar Emilia Clarke could elevate Terminator Genisys to the level where it was acceptable in any SciFi universe. Thankfully, she followed up that box office bomb with a plum role aboard Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018). Clarke was born on this day in 1986. [Source: IMDB.com]
The sultry and soulful Briana Evigan went deep into the realm of Science Fiction and Fantasy for her role aboard S. Darko (2009), the Donnie Darko sequel. Evigan was born on this day in 1986. [Source: IMDB.com]
Jessica Stroup joined the growing Marvel television universe with a prominent role aboard Netflix's Iron Fist adaptation. Stroup was born on this day in 1986. [Source: IMDB.com]
Few women can brave Apocalypse X (2014) and still come out as fetchingly as the lovely Stevie Shae. That's gotta count for something! Shae was born on this day in 1992. [Source: IMDB.com]
How do you put a pretty face on the end of life as we know it? Well, you could do like HBO's The Leftovers and cast the wondrous Margaret Qualley in a key role. Qualley was born on this day in 1994. [Source: IMDB.com]
Amandla Stenberg made a splash in SciFi when she appeared alongside Jennifer Lawrence in the very first The Hunger Games movie. She's since booked some appearances on Fox TV's Sleepy Hollow and The Darkest Minds (2018). Stenberg was born on this day in 1998. [Source: IMDB.com]
Newcomer Lilly Aspell was afforded the opportunity to play the youngest version of Diana Prince aboard the DC Comics blockbuster adaptation of Wonder Woman (2017). Aspell was born on this day in 2007. [Source: IMDB.com]
This is what SciFi was like for me growing up: No Blade of Grass, released on this day in 1970, dealt with a virus plunging so much of the Earth into a post-Apocalyptic nightmare. The story is basically one of survival against the odds where everyone lives his life like extras in a hard rock music video. Buyer (and viewer) beware!
On this day in 1998, T-Rex: Back To The Cretaceous first bared its prehistoric fangs! The feature starred Peter Horton and Liz Stauber, and here's the plot summary compliments of IMDB.com:
"A youth who finds a dinosaur egg accidentally breaks it. Soon after, she begins to have surreal visions of dinosaurs, including the Tyrannosaurus Rex."
"A youth who finds a dinosaur egg accidentally breaks it. Soon after, she begins to have surreal visions of dinosaurs, including the Tyrannosaurus Rex."
Ach! That's gonna leave a mark! On this day in 2001 (on home video), the Fantasy/Horror hybrid Wishmaster 3: Beyond The Gates Of Hell unleashed itself onto mankind. The feature starred Jason Connery and A.J. Cook, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"The evil Djinn is back at again, this time wreaking havoc on the students of Illinois' Baxter University."
"The evil Djinn is back at again, this time wreaking havoc on the students of Illinois' Baxter University."
Like Science Fiction, Fantasy films come in all shapes and sizes: on this day in 2009, Cirque du Freak: The Vampire's Assistant bared its teeth for audiences. The feature starred Chris Massoglia and John C. Reilly, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Teenager Darren Shan meets a mysterious man at a freak show who turns out to be a vampire. After a series of events Darren must leave his normal life and go on the road with the Cirque du Freak and become a vampire."
"Teenager Darren Shan meets a mysterious man at a freak show who turns out to be a vampire. After a series of events Darren must leave his normal life and go on the road with the Cirque du Freak and become a vampire."
Vin Diesel brought his A-game to the B-movie property -- The Last Witch Hunter -- which premiered theatrically on this day back in 2015. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the premise:
"The last witch hunter is all that stands between humanity and the combined forces of the most horrifying witches in history."
"The last witch hunter is all that stands between humanity and the combined forces of the most horrifying witches in history."
On this day in 1959, The Twilight Zone aired "The Sixteen-Millimeter Shrine." This served as the fourth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary compliments of IMDB.com:
"Barbara Jean Trenton is a faded film star who lives in the past by constantly re-watching her old movies instead of moving on with her life, so her associates try to lure her out of her self-imposed isolation."
"Barbara Jean Trenton is a faded film star who lives in the past by constantly re-watching her old movies instead of moving on with her life, so her associates try to lure her out of her self-imposed isolation."
On this day in 1966, Thunderbirds aired "Lord Parker's 'Oliday." This served as the fourth episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"A critical piece of a solar power station is destroyed in a storm. Now a town is threatened by uncontrolled heat from the sun. The International Rescue team must find a way to shut the system down before the whole town is destroyed."
"A critical piece of a solar power station is destroyed in a storm. Now a town is threatened by uncontrolled heat from the sun. The International Rescue team must find a way to shut the system down before the whole town is destroyed."
"Dragon's Domain" was the eighth episode of Space: 1999's first season, and it aired on this day back in 1975. According to IMDB:
"Discredited eagle pilot Tony Cellini is beset by recurring nightmares in which he was the only survivor of disastrous space mission. Now the moon is approaching the same set of circumstances that Cellini encountered."
"Discredited eagle pilot Tony Cellini is beset by recurring nightmares in which he was the only survivor of disastrous space mission. Now the moon is approaching the same set of circumstances that Cellini encountered."
On this day in 1976, Ark II aired "The Cryogenic Man." This served as the seventh episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The ARK crew unwittingly opens a Pandora's Box of pollution when they revive a 20th Century business tycoon determined to kick-start production of his trademark toxic chemical fertilizer."
"The ARK crew unwittingly opens a Pandora's Box of pollution when they revive a 20th Century business tycoon determined to kick-start production of his trademark toxic chemical fertilizer."
On this day in 1976, Land of the Lost aired "Flying Dutchman." This served as the seventh episode to the program's third (and final) season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"A mysterious Captain tries to take Holly away on his flying ship."
"A mysterious Captain tries to take Holly away on his flying ship."
On this day in 1978, Battle of the Planets aired "Big Robot Gold Grab." This served as the sixth episode of the popular program's first season, and here's the plot summary from TV.com:
"Bars of gold are stolen from the Intergalactic Federation, and G-Force is sent out to get it back. While searching one of the islands where the gold might be hidden, Mark, Princess and Keyop are captured and taken to a secret Spectra base."
"Bars of gold are stolen from the Intergalactic Federation, and G-Force is sent out to get it back. While searching one of the islands where the gold might be hidden, Mark, Princess and Keyop are captured and taken to a secret Spectra base."
On this day in 1986, The Adventures of the Galaxy Rangers aired "Progress." This (technically) served as the program's fourteenth episode (they were aired wildly out of sequence), and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Goose's dolphins receive a psychic distress call. They go to the world where the call came from, and find factories producing pollution and not much else. The Rangers try to locate the people who sent the distress signal."
"Goose's dolphins receive a psychic distress call. They go to the world where the call came from, and find factories producing pollution and not much else. The Rangers try to locate the people who sent the distress signal."
On this day in 1989, Alien Nation aired the fifth episode of its single season existence. The hour was titled "The First Cigar," and here's the episode summary compliments of IMDB.com:
"Francisco comes under the scrutiny of the IRS and wrestles with the ethics of asking for a loan from an influential Newcomer that he has helped."
"Francisco comes under the scrutiny of the IRS and wrestles with the ethics of asking for a loan from an influential Newcomer that he has helped."
On this day in 1989, War of the Worlds aired "Terminal Rock." This served as the fourth episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"The aliens take over the members of a punk rock band and add a secret electronic signal to their music which will drive young people into a violent frenzy. Meanwhile Kincaid begins a romance with his late brother's girlfriend."
"The aliens take over the members of a punk rock band and add a secret electronic signal to their music which will drive young people into a violent frenzy. Meanwhile Kincaid begins a romance with his late brother's girlfriend."
I don't know about you, but I sure thought seeing Counselor Troi reduced to 'cake form' was more than a bit creepy. I also think it kinda/sorta singled the fact that Star Trek: The Next Generation was in some ways creatively winding down, especially if that's what viewers had to look forward to. Whatever the case may be, on this day in 1993 the powers that be aired "Phantasms," the sixth episode of the show's seventh (and final) season. According to IMDB.com, here's what you need to know:
"Data deals with his new ability to experience nightmares as the Enterprise deals with the installation of a new warp core that won't work as expected."
"Data deals with his new ability to experience nightmares as the Enterprise deals with the installation of a new warp core that won't work as expected."
On this day in 1995, Major Kira found herself in a curious predicament with a sworn enemy as Star Trek: Deep Space Nine aired the fourth episode of its fourth season. It was called "Indiscretion," and here's the plot summary compliments of IMDB.com:
"Kira and Gul Dukat go after the lost prison ship Ravinok. Dukat has a secret. Meanwhile Kasidy Yates tries to find work near Bajor, leaving Sisko uncomfortable."
"Kira and Gul Dukat go after the lost prison ship Ravinok. Dukat has a secret. Meanwhile Kasidy Yates tries to find work near Bajor, leaving Sisko uncomfortable."
On this day in 1998, Stargate: SG-1 aired "Spirits." This served as the thirteenth episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"SG-11 does not return from a mission to collect trinium ore. When SG-1 travels to the planet, the mystical Indians there say that the Spirits have captured SG-11. After talking to animals said to incarnate the Spirits, SG-11 is released. Soon after SG teams return to Earth with Indian leader Tonané to seek a mining agreement and many people disappear at the SGC."
"SG-11 does not return from a mission to collect trinium ore. When SG-1 travels to the planet, the mystical Indians there say that the Spirits have captured SG-11. After talking to animals said to incarnate the Spirits, SG-11 is released. Soon after SG teams return to Earth with Indian leader Tonané to seek a mining agreement and many people disappear at the SGC."
On this day in 1999, Batman Beyond's second season was well under way. The program aired its sixth episode, one called "Bloodsport." Here's the summary from IMDB.com:
"Batman finds himself the quarry of an augmented hunter seeking the ultimate challenge."
"Batman finds himself the quarry of an augmented hunter seeking the ultimate challenge."
On this day in 1999, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's The Lost World aired "Salvation" in television syndication. This served as the sixth episode of the cult program's first season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Veronica saves an unconscious girl from the river and revives her using CPR. The Christecs proclaim that Summerlwe is a witch. As Veronica escapes to summon help from the others, Challenger takes on the role of Summerlee's lawyer ~ if found guilty, both men will be burned at the stake Meanwhile at the treehouse, Malone catches Marguerite reading his journals. Malone begins a violent argument when she destroys some of the journal and Lord Roxton attempts to play mediator."
"Veronica saves an unconscious girl from the river and revives her using CPR. The Christecs proclaim that Summerlwe is a witch. As Veronica escapes to summon help from the others, Challenger takes on the role of Summerlee's lawyer ~ if found guilty, both men will be burned at the stake Meanwhile at the treehouse, Malone catches Marguerite reading his journals. Malone begins a violent argument when she destroys some of the journal and Lord Roxton attempts to play mediator."
On this day in 1999, Xyber 9: New Dawn aired the sixth episode of its first season. The action was called "Renard's Daughter," and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"King Renard holds a birthday celebration for his daughter on his battleship. Jack, Xyber 9, Ana (Anakonda) and Ikira sneak in to find a data pad that holds the key to unlocking the ancient vault."
"King Renard holds a birthday celebration for his daughter on his battleship. Jack, Xyber 9, Ana (Anakonda) and Ikira sneak in to find a data pad that holds the key to unlocking the ancient vault."
On this day in 2000, Gene Roddenberry's Andromeda aired "D Minus Zero." This served as the fourth episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as cited on IMDB.com:
"The crew is attacked by the Restorers. The crew is still learning to work together. There is confusion about the chain of command, causing more issues. They must learn to work together to survive."
"The crew is attacked by the Restorers. The crew is still learning to work together. There is confusion about the chain of command, causing more issues. They must learn to work together to survive."
I've said it before -- so pardon me while I'll say it again -- but Stargate: Universe was the only TV version of the Stargate franchise that I could seriously get into. Maybe the fact that it was so different thematically than what came before -- which I found a bit saccharin -- that it just felt right to me. Anyway, its first season episode "Light" aired on this day back in 2009, and the action saw the crew coming to grips with the fact that the ship, Destiny, was flying right into the sun ... and they apparently had no way to save themselves.
