Love him or hate him, Keanu Reeves is the face of sci-fi for a generation of movie-goers. He was Neo in The Matrix. He kinda/sorta took over our planet in The Day The Earth Stood Still remake (the original is still better). And he traveled through time, all for the purposes of doing a book report, in Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure. Mr. Reeves remains a force to be reckoned with in Hollywood, and he celebrates his birthday today, born on this day back in 1964. Party on, dude!
Martin Miller nearly amassed one hundred different screen credits in his time on the Earthly plane. Perhaps one of his best remembered roles was as 'Kublai Khan' in Doctor Who's very first season. Though he's no longer with us, Miller was born on this day in 1899. [Source: IMDB.com]
Eileen Way joined Tom Baker aboard "The Creature From The Pit," a late-1970's serial from the BBC's long-running Doctor Who. Though she's no longer with us, Way was born on this day in 1911. [Source: IMDB.com]
That tall fellow? The one in the black head-dress and the frilly curtain about his shouders? The guy standing next to the sneering Klingon? That is none other than Michael Dante in the guise of Maab from the Star Trek second season episode, "Friday's Child." The talented actor also sported appearances aboard Get Smart (1966) and The Six Million Dollar Man (1974). Dante was born on this day in 1931.
"If you're going to be an extra in only a single episode of episodic television, then you damn well better make it a good one." That's what grandma used to say. Grandma always was a little weird. In any event, Robert Chadwick heeded her advice, though he undoubtedly never heard it from my grandma. He had a role in the classic Star Trek episode, "Balance Of Terror," as the Romulan Scanner Operator. He also booked roles in The Outer Limits (1965) and Irwin Allen's Voyage To The Bottom Of The Sea (1965). Though he's no longer with us, Chadwick was born on this day in 1933.
In an episode of the classic Battlestar Galactica, Ben Frank played one of the meddlers questioning authority in "Murder on the Rising Star." Though he's no longer with us, Frank was born on this day in 1934.
Veteran comic book artist and scribe Walter Simonson celebrates his birthday today. He's contributed to such ongoing comic book properties as Batman, The Hulk, Star Trek, and Star Wars. Simonson was born on this day in 1946.
Despite a relatively high Klingon presence as part of several of the more modern Star Trek television series, I tend to prefer their portrayal in the classic Trek universe (the original program and its movies) far more than these modern age aliens. Call me naive, but the old-school Klingons seemed more authentic. In any event, Rosana DeSoto played a Klingon female to sublime effect as part of Star Trek: The Undiscovered Country. DeSoto was born on this day in 1950.
In the mid-1970's TV program Shazam!, young Michael Gray (above right) played the 'Billy Batson,' the human charged with maintaining custody of the mighty superhero. Gray was born on this day in 1951. [Source: IMDB.com]
Early in his career, Mark Harmon knew something was fishy in Goliath Awaits, a 1981 SciFi telefilm about a group of survivors trapped beneath the sea. Harmon was born on this day in 1951.
Though she's now renowned for her work as a horse trainer, Gai Waterhouse (when she was Gai Smith) enjoyed a guest appearance aboard "The Invasion Of Time" serial of Doctor Who. Waterhouse was born on this day in 1954. [Source: Doctor Who Online]
With over 100 screen roles to her name, I'm actually quite surprised that the lovely Linda Purl hasn't done more Science Fiction and Fantasy. A review of her IMDB.com profile only shows a few: Time Travellers (1966) and HBO's True Blood. Dang. Purl was born on this day in 1955. [Source: IMDB.com]
Sean Gallagher dabbled in the wide, wide world of Doctor Who with a guest role in the re-launched program's second season. Gallagher was born on this day in 1965. [Source: IMDB.com]
No matter how utterly inviting the prospect of seeing Salma Hayek in 3D might sound, I still can't bring myself to watch Spy Kids 3: Game Over (2003). Hayek was born on this day in 1966. [Source: IMDB.com]
When writer/director Stephen Sommers rebooted The Mummy (1999) for a whole new generation of fans, he cast the talented Tuc Watkins in the role of Mr. Burns. The actor has also appeared aboard Infested (2002) and Syfy's Warehouse 13. Watkins was born on this day in 1966. [Source: IMDB.com]
The lovely Cynthia Watros was only one of the lovely ladies that made up part of the ensemble at the core to ABC TV's Lost. She hasn't done much genre-specific work since that time, but I for one would welcome her pretty face back any time she likes. Watros was born on this day in 1968. [Source: IMDB.com]
One of my personal favorites TV-based SciFi programs ever remains Fox TV's Space: Above and Beyond. In it, firecracker-hot Kristen Cloke played space-based fighter pilot 'Lt. Shane Vansen' to perfection. Sadly, the show only lasted a season and ended on a massive cliffhanger, but Vansen lives on in the imagination of fans everywhere. Cloke was born on this day in 1968. [Source: IMDB.com]
Nicholas Pinnock's acting portfolio continues to grow. Genre fans might recognize him from work aboard The Deep, Captain America: The First Avenger (2011), Monsters: Dark Continent (2014), and Starz Network excellent yet underrated SciFi/Serial Counterpart. Pinnock was born on this day in 1973. [Source: IMDB.com]
Though it looks as though her career steers more toward conventional programming, the lovely Tiffany Hines did manage to squeeze a role into the SciFi/Miniseries Meteor back in 2009. Here's hoping she finds a few more right up our alley! Hines was born on this day in 1983. [Source: IMDB.com]
Terra Nova was one of those programs that had great promise: methinks the problem was it was shackled with a creative crew who had absolutely no idea of how to tap into it. That isn't for a lack of talent in front of the camera, though. Allison Miller played Skye to some fan acclaim. Miller was born on this day in 1985.
Young Yani Gellman (pictured above left) faced the real 'Final Frontier' along with the nefarious Jason Voorhees when that franchise zipped forward to the 25th Century with Jason X. Gellman was born on this day in 1985.
Young Austin Abrams tried to be a force to reckon with in the Fantasy-themed The Walking Dead for AMC; sadly, few folks get out of that show alive. Abrams was born on this day in 1996. [Source: IMDB.com]
On this day in 1957 (in Sweden), the Horror/SciFi hybrid The Deadly Mantis tried to sink its teeth ... er ... arms ... er ... claw-things into mankind. The feature starred Craig Stevens and William Hopper, and here's the premise compliments of IMDB.com:
"A giant prehistoric praying mantis, recently freed from the Arctic ice, voraciously preys on American military at the DEW Line and works its way south."
"A giant prehistoric praying mantis, recently freed from the Arctic ice, voraciously preys on American military at the DEW Line and works its way south."
May the Force be with us! On this day in 1982 (in Italy), the original Star Wars enjoyed a rare theatrical re-release. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Luke Skywalker joins forces with a Jedi Knight, a cocky pilot, a Wookiee and two droids to save the galaxy from the Empire's world-destroying battle station, while also attempting to rescue Princess Leia from the mysterious Darth Vader."
"Luke Skywalker joins forces with a Jedi Knight, a cocky pilot, a Wookiee and two droids to save the galaxy from the Empire's world-destroying battle station, while also attempting to rescue Princess Leia from the mysterious Darth Vader."
A star is born! On this day in 1983, the SciFi/Actioner Stryker struck theaters. The film starred Steve Sandor and Andrea Savio, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"The world's water supply has dried up due to some sort of apocalypse. A beautiful woman holds the secret to where one of the last springs being guarded by a group of Amazons. A "Road Warrior" like crew captures her and tries to make her talk through brutal torture. The hero (Styrker) unites with some of the remaining "good guys" and the Amazons and frees the woman. They go on to a "Road Warrior" type of concluding battle with the bad guys."
"The world's water supply has dried up due to some sort of apocalypse. A beautiful woman holds the secret to where one of the last springs being guarded by a group of Amazons. A "Road Warrior" like crew captures her and tries to make her talk through brutal torture. The hero (Styrker) unites with some of the remaining "good guys" and the Amazons and frees the woman. They go on to a "Road Warrior" type of concluding battle with the bad guys."
On this day in 2009 (in the Czech Republic), the original SciFi/Classic The War Of The Worlds enjoyed a release on home video. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A small town in California is attacked by Martians, beginning a worldwide invasion."
"A small town in California is attacked by Martians, beginning a worldwide invasion."
From what I can tell, most folks really hate the whole 'found footage' flick format, but I kinda/sorta dig it. There's a rawness to the storytelling that I appreciate, but I hate the herky-jerky camera work as much as the next person. Still -- on this day in 2011 -- Apollo 18 gave us a look at the real reason (wink wink) behind the end of the American exploration of the moon, and I found that definitely an entertaining bit of 'found footage.' Here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Decades-old found footage from NASA's abandoned Apollo 18 mission, where two American astronauts were sent on a secret expedition, reveals the reason the U.S. has never returned to the moon."
"Decades-old found footage from NASA's abandoned Apollo 18 mission, where two American astronauts were sent on a secret expedition, reveals the reason the U.S. has never returned to the moon."
On this day in 2011 (in Japan), Doomsday Prophecy enjoyed its premiere on home video. The SciFi feature starred A.J. Buckley and genre-favorite Jewel Staite, and here's the premise compliments of IMDB.com:
"Based on the 2012 end-of-world prophesy where two unlikely characters team up to solve a mystery that just might save the world."
"Based on the 2012 end-of-world prophesy where two unlikely characters team up to solve a mystery that just might save the world."
All hail Robotropolis! Well, maybe not so much "hail" but just try not to laugh at it! Opening on this day in 2011 (in the United Kingdom, no less), Robotropolis starred Zoe Naylor and Graham Sibley, and -- according to our friends at IMDB.com -- here's what all of the fuss was about:
"A group of reporters are covering the unveiling of a new facility that is completely maintained by robot prototypes. When one of the robots goes haywire, the reporters find themselves not just reporting on the malfunction, but fighting for their lives."
"A group of reporters are covering the unveiling of a new facility that is completely maintained by robot prototypes. When one of the robots goes haywire, the reporters find themselves not just reporting on the malfunction, but fighting for their lives."
On this day in 2011 (in Brazil), The Man From The Future premiered in theatres. The Fantasy/Comedy starred Wagner Moura and Alinne Moraes, and here's the plot summary that's been provided by IMDB.com:
"Zero is a brilliant scientist. However, 20 years ago, he was publicly humiliated when he lost Helena, the love of his life. One day, an accidental experience with one of his inventions causes him to travel back in time to 1991. Having taken the opportunity to change history, Zero returns to own time to find totally changed."
"Zero is a brilliant scientist. However, 20 years ago, he was publicly humiliated when he lost Helena, the love of his life. One day, an accidental experience with one of his inventions causes him to travel back in time to 1991. Having taken the opportunity to change history, Zero returns to own time to find totally changed."
On this day in 2016, Scott Free Productions released the Artificial Intelligence thriller Morgan to the general public. The film starred Kate Mara and Anya Taylor-Joy, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"A corporate risk-management consultant must decide whether or not to terminate an artificially created humanoid being."
"A corporate risk-management consultant must decide whether or not to terminate an artificially created humanoid being."
- If you want to know more, then check out SciFiHistory.Net's review of Morgan right here.
On this day in 1966 (in the United Kingdom), The Corridor People aired "Victim As Whitebait." Officially, this served as the second episode in the program's only season on broadcast television, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The investigation into the disappearance of six corpses leads to the discovery that Syrie van Epp is providing financial backing for a scientist working on raising the dead."
"The investigation into the disappearance of six corpses leads to the discovery that Syrie van Epp is providing financial backing for a scientist working on raising the dead."
On this day in 1967 (in the United Kingdom), Doctor Who aired "The Tomb Of The Cybermen: Part 1." Officially, this served as the first episode in the program's fifth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The Doctor, Jamie and Victoria arrive on Telos, where an archaeological group are exploring the Tomb of the Cybermen. But are the Cybermen as dormant as they believe?"
"The Doctor, Jamie and Victoria arrive on Telos, where an archaeological group are exploring the Tomb of the Cybermen. But are the Cybermen as dormant as they believe?"
On this day in 1970 (in the United Kingdom), Ace Of Wands aired "The Mind Robbers: Part 4." This served as the seventh episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by TV.com:
"Fat Boy has trapped Tarot and Lulli with a deadly snake. Tarot must escape and do battle with the sinister Zandar."
"Fat Boy has trapped Tarot and Lulli with a deadly snake. Tarot must escape and do battle with the sinister Zandar."
On this day in 1978 (in the United Kingdom), Doctor Who aired "The Ribos Operation: Part 1." Officially, this served as the first episode in the program's sixteenth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The Doctor is chosen for a quest by The White Guardian to go in search for the six segments to the Key to Time, that have been scattered and sent throughout the time/space continuum. With the Key to Time, The White Guardian will restore balance to the universe. Joined by a young time lady named Romana, The Doctor, Romana and K-9 Mark 2 begin their quest and arrive at their first destination, The medieval Russian like world Ribos, where a conman named Garron bids to sell Ribos to a exiled tyrant known as Graff Vynda K, where Unstoffe, Garron's assistant uncovers Garron's scheme and is unaware he is in possession of the first segment of the Key to Time."
"The Doctor is chosen for a quest by The White Guardian to go in search for the six segments to the Key to Time, that have been scattered and sent throughout the time/space continuum. With the Key to Time, The White Guardian will restore balance to the universe. Joined by a young time lady named Romana, The Doctor, Romana and K-9 Mark 2 begin their quest and arrive at their first destination, The medieval Russian like world Ribos, where a conman named Garron bids to sell Ribos to a exiled tyrant known as Graff Vynda K, where Unstoffe, Garron's assistant uncovers Garron's scheme and is unaware he is in possession of the first segment of the Key to Time."
On this day in 2007 (in Hungary), Firefly aired "Heart Of Gold." Officially, this served as the twelfth episode in the program's only season on broadcast television, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A Companion-trained friend of Inara's who runs a brothel on a remote planet calls for help from Serenity when a local reveals his intentions to take the baby from a woman he impregnated."
"A Companion-trained friend of Inara's who runs a brothel on a remote planet calls for help from Serenity when a local reveals his intentions to take the baby from a woman he impregnated."
Save the cheerleader, save the world ... On this day in 2007 (in Italy), Heroes aired "Chapter 01: Genesis." Officially, this served as the program's pilot episode, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In Manhattan, Peter Petrelli is the younger brother Nathan Petrelli an overly ambitious and unscrupulous candidate for the next New York congressman, and he dreams and believes that he can fly. He decides to prove his theory and jumps from the roof of a building in an alley and his brother flies and saves him. In Texas, cheerleader Claire Bennet learns that she is literally indestructible and can not harm herself or die. She saves a fireman in a fire in a train, but does not take the credit. In Tokyo, Hiro Nakamura believes he can control time and space continuum. In India, Mohinder Suresh moves to the Brooklyn, New York, where his father, that was researching a secret project called Genesis about genome and DNA, is killed in a taxi cab. In Lower Manhattan, the painter Isaac Mendez paints pictures of the future. In Las Vegas, stripper Niki Sanders borrows $30,000 from a powerful local mobster to get her young son into school, and does not have the money to pay her loan. She sees a different image of her in the mirror, and when two gangsters come to her house to collect the money, one of them hits her and she faints. Later Nikki wakes up, and the two thugs are dead... literally torn apart by her evil alter ego."
"In Manhattan, Peter Petrelli is the younger brother Nathan Petrelli an overly ambitious and unscrupulous candidate for the next New York congressman, and he dreams and believes that he can fly. He decides to prove his theory and jumps from the roof of a building in an alley and his brother flies and saves him. In Texas, cheerleader Claire Bennet learns that she is literally indestructible and can not harm herself or die. She saves a fireman in a fire in a train, but does not take the credit. In Tokyo, Hiro Nakamura believes he can control time and space continuum. In India, Mohinder Suresh moves to the Brooklyn, New York, where his father, that was researching a secret project called Genesis about genome and DNA, is killed in a taxi cab. In Lower Manhattan, the painter Isaac Mendez paints pictures of the future. In Las Vegas, stripper Niki Sanders borrows $30,000 from a powerful local mobster to get her young son into school, and does not have the money to pay her loan. She sees a different image of her in the mirror, and when two gangsters come to her house to collect the money, one of them hits her and she faints. Later Nikki wakes up, and the two thugs are dead... literally torn apart by her evil alter ego."
