Michael Rennie
Michael Rennie (born August 1909 – June 10, 1971) was an English actor best known for his role as Klaatu in the science fiction classic The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951). He enjoyed a successful career spanning film, television, and theater, gaining fame for his dignified and often authoritative roles. Michael Rennie was born Eric Alexander Rennie in Ilford, Essex, England. His early interest in acting led him to the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA), where he trained and developed his skills as a performer. He worked initially in British theater before transitioning to film. Rennie’s early career included several roles in British films, but it was his move to Hollywood in the 1940s that helped him gain more widespread recognition. He appeared in a series of films, often portraying dignified or authoritative characters, with his tall stature, smooth voice, and good looks making him a natural fit for leading roles. His breakthrough came with the science fiction film The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951), where he portrayed the alien visitor Klaatu. The film is considered one of the most influential sci-fi movies of all time, and Rennie’s portrayal of the calm and rational Klaatu became iconic. The film's message of peace, tolerance, and warning against militarism resonated with audiences, and Rennie’s performance as the alien ambassador remains one of his most famous and enduring roles. Following The Day the Earth Stood Still, Rennie continued to appear in a variety of films, often in roles of authority or leadership. Some notable films he starred in include The Lost World (1960), The 27th Day (1957), and Journey to the Center of the Earth (1959), where he appeared alongside actors like James Mason and Pat Boone. Rennie also appeared in numerous television series, including The Twilight Zone, The Outer Limits, and The Invaders. In the 1960s, he had roles in various TV shows, further establishing his presence in the science fiction and adventure genres. Rennie was married twice. His first marriage was to actress Dorothy Dandridge in 1959, but they eventually divorced. Later, he married Shirley Sutherland, with whom he remained until his death. Despite his fame, Rennie led a relatively private life and was known to be a gentleman both on and off screen. He had a reputation for being reserved and professional, a trait that made him well-suited to the types of roles he was often cast in. Michael Rennie passed away on June 10, 1971, at the age of 61, from a heart attack while vacationing in Spain. His death marked the end of a distinguished career in film and television. Rennie’s most enduring legacy is his portrayal of Klaatu in The Day the Earth Stood Still, which remains a staple of science fiction cinema. His calm, authoritative presence in the film and his portrayal of an alien visitor with a message of peace continue to resonate with audiences and are considered a high point in 1950s science fiction. Throughout his career, he brought dignity and depth to the roles he played, earning him a place in cinematic history, particularly within the science fiction genre.
The Day the Earth Stood Still
(Klaatu, alias Mr. Carpenter)
Assignment Terror
(Dr. Odo Warnoff)
The Lost World
(Lord John Roxton)
This Man in Paris
(Gang Member (uncredited))
The Desert Fox: The Story of Rommel
(Narrator (voice) (uncredited))
The Patient Vanishes
(Inspector)
The Horror Show
((archive footage))
The Wicked Lady
(Kit Locksby)
Dangerous Crossing
(Dr. Paul Manning)
The Robe
(Peter)
Demetrius and the Gladiators
(Peter)
Désirée
(Bernadotte)
Cyborg 2087
(Garth A7)
Island in the Sun
(Hilary Carson)
Sailor of the King
(Lt. Richard Saville)
Soldier of Fortune
(Inspector Merryweather, Hong Kong Marine Police)
The Power
(Arthur Nordlund)
Third Man on the Mountain
(Captain John Winter)
King of the Khyber Rifles
(Brig. Gen. J. R. Maitland)
The Rains of Ranchipur
(Lord Albert Esketh)
The 13th Letter
(Dr. Pearson)
The House in the Square
(Roger Forsyth)
Phone Call from a Stranger
(Dr. Robert Fortness)
Teenage Rebel
(Jay Fallon)
5 Fingers
(Colin Travers)
Lost In Space Forever
(The Keeper (archive footage))
Ride Beyond Vengeance
(Brooks Durham)
The Battle of El Alamein
(Bernard Law Montgomery)
Hondo and the Apaches
(Tribolet)
Mary, Mary
(Dirk Winston)
Les Miserables
(Jean Valjean)
Seven Cities of Gold
(Father Junipero Serra)
Tower of Terror
(Anthony Hale)
Perilous Assignment
(Self)
Princess of the Nile
(Rama Khan)
Theremin: An Electronic Odyssey
(Klaatu (archive footage) (uncredited))
Omar Khayyam
(Hasani Sabah)
The Root of All Evil
(Charles Mortimer)
Death on the Run
(Major Worthington Clark)
White Cradle Inn
(Rudolph)
Stoney
(Harvey Ward)
Subterfuge
(Goldsmith)
The Last Chance
(George McConnell)
Seven Into Hell
(Blynn)
The Gap
(Chemist-Radio Operator (uncredited))
The Sky’s the Limit
(George)
The Desert Rats
(Narrator (voice) (uncredited))
Hotel
(Geoffrey - Duke of Lanbourne)
Gangway
(Ship's Officer)
Secret Agent
(Army Captain (uncredited))
The Squeaker
(Medical Examiner)
Mambo
(Enrico Marisoni)
Trio
(Major George Templeton (segment Sanatorium))
I'll Be Your Sweetheart
Miss Pilgrim's Progress
(Bob Thane)
The Body Said No!
Uneasy Terms
(Slim Callaghan)
The Golden Madonna
(Mike Christie)
Ships with Wings
(Lieut. Maxwell)
The Black Rose
(King Edward)
The Big Blockade
(George)
Battle of the V-1
(Stefan)
Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
(Dr. Henry Jekyll / Mr. Hyde)
The Devil's Brigade
(Lt. Gen. Mark Clark)
Turned Out Nice Again
(Diner)
Dangerous Moonlight
(Kapulski)
'Pimpernel' Smith
(Prison Camp Officer)
The Divorce of Lady X
(Minor Role (uncredited))
Titanic
(End Narrator (Voice))
Caesar and Cleopatra
(1st Centurion)
The Conquest of the Air
(Marquis d'Arlandes (uncredited))
Idol of Paris
(Hertz)
Naked You Die
(Inspector Durand)
The Man Who Could Work Miracles
(San Francisco Cop)
Bank Holiday
(Guardsman (uncredited))
Gypsy
Circle of the Day
(Eric Millet)
The Time Tunnel
(Capt. Malcolm Smith)
The Dick Powell Show
(Inspector Marshall)
The Great Adventure
(President Jefferson Davis)
Kraft Suspense Theatre
(Robert Thurston)
The F.B.I.
(Conrad Letterman)
Batman
(Sandman)
Route 66
Lost in Space
(The Keeper)
Perry Mason
(Prof. Edward Lindley)
Alfred Hitchcock Presents
(Allen Bliss)
Daniel Boone
(Maj. Peter Wellington)
The Virginian
(Michael O'Rourke)
Schlitz Playhouse of Stars
Climax!
(Lord Edward Dominey / Major General Von Raggenstein)
Hondo
Branded
Dick Powell's Zane Grey Theatre
(Matthew Birch)
DuPont Show of the Month
Suspicion
(Angus Martin)
Jericho
The Third Man
The Barbara Stanwyck Show
(Julius)
The F.B.I.
(Albert Robinson / Major John Anka)
The F.B.I.
(Eric Reverson)
The Dick Powell Show
(General Conrad Munday)
Dick Powell's Zane Grey Theatre
(Grant Coburn)
Dick Powell's Zane Grey Theatre
(Marshal Locke Gardner)
Daniel Boone
(Edgar Newton)
Bonanza
(Prof. Poppy / Dr. P.A. Mundy)
Alfred Hitchcock Presents
(Sir Humphrey J. Orford)
Bob Hope Presents the Chrysler Theatre
(Edward Parker Greene)
Climax!
(Dr. Henry Jekyll / Mr. Hyde)
Climax!
(Charles Martin Westling)
Climax!
('Irish' Sean Dillon)
Climax!
(Dr. Fitzroy)
Climax!
(James MacLennan)
Climax!
(Lorenzo)
The Invaders
(Magnus)
The Invaders
(Vice Chancellor Pierre Alquist)
The Danny Thomas Hour
(Paul Heaton)
The 20th Century Fox Hour
(Narrator)
The Alfred Hitchcock Hour
(Ralph Manson)
Shirley Temple's Storybook
(Captain Creighton)
The Man from U.N.C.L.E.
(Barnaby Partridge)
ABC Stage 67
12 O'Clock High
(Gen. St. John Keighley)
Bob Hope Presents the Chrysler Theatre
(Inspector Kauslake)
The Wonderful World of Disney
(Self)
Producers' Showcase
(Howard Joyce)