A C T O R
Michael Rennie [12282]
Age: 61 years
Birthday: 1909-08-25
Deathday: 1971-06-10
Birthplace: Bradford, Yorkshire, England
Credits: 73
Popularity: 1.0567
Links: Homepage, IMDB
Biography: 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.

Lost In Space Forever
1998-01-01
Theremin: An Elect…
1995-08-24
The Horror Show
1979-02-06
Los monstruos del …
1970-02-24
Stoney
1969-01-01
La battaglia di El…
1969-01-01
Subterfuge
1968-12-12
Scacco Internazionale
1968-07-09
Giugno '44 - Sbarc…
1968-06-02
The Devil's Brigade
1968-05-15
The Power
1968-02-21
Nude... si muore
1968-02-20
Bersaglio mobile
1967-10-09
Hondo and the Apaches
1967-09-08
Hotel
1967-01-19
Cyborg 2087
1966-10-01
Ride Beyond Vengeance
1966-01-01
Mary, Mary
1963-10-24
The Lost World
1960-07-13
Third Man on the M…
1959-11-10
Perilous Assignment
1959-11-06
Battle of the V-1
1958-01-01
Omar Khayyam
1957-08-23
Island in the Sun
1957-06-12
Teenage Rebel
1956-11-01
The Rains of Ranch…
1955-12-14
Seven Cities of Gold
1955-10-07
Dr. Jekyll and Mr.…
1955-07-28
Soldier of Fortune
1955-05-24
Désirée
1954-11-16
Mambo
1954-09-18
Princess of the Nile
1954-07-01
Demetrius and the …
1954-06-16
King of the Khyber…
1953-12-23
The Robe
1953-09-16
Dangerous Crossing
1953-07-22
Sailor of the King
1953-06-11
The Desert Rats
1953-05-20
Titanic
1953-04-11
Les Miserables
1952-08-14
5 Fingers
1952-02-22
Phone Call from a …
1952-02-01
The House in the S…
1951-12-07
The Desert Fox: Th…
1951-10-16
The Day the Earth …
1951-09-28
The 13th Letter
1951-02-21
Trio
1950-10-10
The Black Rose
1950-09-01
Miss Pilgrim's Pro…
1949-11-29
The Golden Madonna
1949-05-23
Uneasy Terms
1948-07-06
Idol of Paris
1948-04-24
White Cradle Inn
1947-02-28
The Root of All Evil
1947-02-05
Caesar and Cleopatra
1945-12-11
The Wicked Lady
1945-11-15
I'll Be Your Sweet…
1945-07-30
The Big Blockade
1942-01-19
Tower of Terror
1941-12-27
Ships with Wings
1941-11-10
Turned Out Nice Again
1941-08-01
'Pimpernel' Smith
1941-07-28
The Patient Vanishes
1941-07-21
Dangerous Moonlight
1941-06-26
This Man in Paris
1939-07-01
Bank Holiday
1938-01-27
The Divorce of Lady X
1938-01-15
The Gap
1937-09-01
The Squeaker
1937-11-11
Gangway
1937-08-19
The Conquest of th…
1936-12-01
The Man Who Could …
1936-07-23
Secret Agent
1936-05-31