
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.
- Known ForActing
- Born25 August 1909 (age 116)
- Place of BirthBradford, Yorkshire, England
Michael Rennie

- Known ForActing
- Born25 August 1909 (age 116)
- Place of BirthBradford, Yorkshire, England

Lost In Space Forever
1998

Theremin: An Electronic Odyssey
1995

The Horror Show
1979

Assignment Terror
1970

The Battle of El Alamein
1969

Stoney
1969

The Power
1968

Subterfuge
1968

The Last Chance
1968

Seven Into Hell
1968

The Devil's Brigade
1968

Naked You Die
1968

Hondo and the Apaches
1967

Death on the Run
1967

Hotel
1967

Cyborg 2087
1966

Ride Beyond Vengeance
1966

Mary, Mary
1963

The Lost World
1960

Third Man on the Mountain
1959

Perilous Assignment
1959

Battle of the V-1
1958

Island in the Sun
1957

Omar Khayyam
1957

Teenage Rebel
1956

Soldier of Fortune
1955

The Rains of Ranchipur
1955

Seven Cities of Gold
1955

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
1955

Demetrius and the Gladiators
1954

Désirée
1954

Princess of the Nile
1954

Mambo
1954

Dangerous Crossing
1953

The Robe
1953

Sailor of the King
1953

King of the Khyber Rifles
1953

The Desert Rats
1953

Titanic
1953

Phone Call from a Stranger
1952

5 Fingers
1952

Les Miserables
1952

The Day the Earth Stood Still
1951

The Desert Fox: The Story of Rommel
1951

The 13th Letter
1951

The House in the Square
1951

Trio
1950
The Body Said No!
1950

The Black Rose
1950

Miss Pilgrim's Progress
1949

The Golden Madonna
1949

Uneasy Terms
1948

Idol of Paris
1948

The Root of All Evil
1947

White Cradle Inn
1947

The Wicked Lady
1945

I'll Be Your Sweetheart
1945

Caesar and Cleopatra
1945
The Sky’s the Limit
1943

The Big Blockade
1942

The Patient Vanishes
1941

Tower of Terror
1941

Ships with Wings
1941

Turned Out Nice Again
1941

'Pimpernel' Smith
1941

Dangerous Moonlight
1941

This Man in Paris
1939

The Divorce of Lady X
1938

Bank Holiday
1938

The Gap
1937

Gangway
1937

The Squeaker
1937

Secret Agent
1936

The Conquest of the Air
1936
