Michael Rennie
Born
August 25, 1909
Died
June 10, 1971 (61 years old)
Known For
Acting
Place of Birth
Bradford, Yorkshire, England
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
The Keeper (archive footage)
1998
Theremin: An Electronic Odyssey
Klaatu (archive footage) (uncredited)
1995
The Horror Show
(archive footage)
1979
Assignment Terror
Dr. Odo Warnoff
1970
The Battle of El Alamein
Bernard Law Montgomery
1969
Stoney
Harvey Ward
1969
Subterfuge
Goldsmith
1968
The Last Chance
George McConnell
1968
Seven Into Hell
Blynn
1968
The Devil's Brigade
Lt. Gen. Mark Clark
1968
The Power
Arthur Nordlund
1968
Naked You Die
Inspector Durand
1968
Death on the Run
Major Worthington Clark
1967
The Danny Thomas Hour
Paul Heaton · (1 episode)
1967
Hondo and the Apaches
Tribolet
1967
Hondo
(2 episodes)
1967
Hotel
Geoffrey - Duke of Lanbourne
1967
The Invaders
Magnus · (1 episode)
1967
The Invaders
Vice Chancellor Pierre Alquist · (2 episodes)
1967
Cyborg 2087
Garth A7
1966
Jericho
(1 episode)
1966
ABC Stage 67
(1 episode)
1966
The Time Tunnel
Capt. Malcolm Smith · (1 episode)
1966
Batman
Sandman · (2 episodes)
1966
Ride Beyond Vengeance
Brooks Durham
1966
The F.B.I.
Conrad Letterman · (1 episode)
1965
The F.B.I.
Albert Robinson / Major John Anka · (1 episode)
1965
The F.B.I.
Eric Reverson · (1 episode)
1965
Lost in Space
The Keeper · (2 episodes)
1965
Branded
(1 episode)
1965
Daniel Boone
Maj. Peter Wellington · (1 episode)
1964
Daniel Boone
Edgar Newton · (1 episode)
1964
The Man from U.N.C.L.E.
Barnaby Partridge · (1 episode)
1964
12 O'Clock High
Gen. St. John Keighley · (1 episode)
1964
Mary, Mary
Dirk Winston
1963
Kraft Suspense Theatre
Robert Thurston · (1 episode)
1963
Bob Hope Presents the Chrysler Theatre
Edward Parker Greene · (1 episode)
1963
Bob Hope Presents the Chrysler Theatre
Inspector Kauslake · (1 episode)
1963
The Great Adventure
President Jefferson Davis · (1 episode)
1963
The Alfred Hitchcock Hour
Ralph Manson · (1 episode)
1962
The Virginian
Michael O'Rourke · (1 episode)
1962
The Dick Powell Show
Inspector Marshall · (1 episode)
1961
The Dick Powell Show
General Conrad Munday · (1 episode)
1961
Route 66
(2 episodes)
1960
The Barbara Stanwyck Show
Julius · (1 episode)
1960
The Lost World
Lord John Roxton
1960
Third Man on the Mountain
Captain John Winter
1959
Perilous Assignment
Self
1959
The Third Man
(77 episodes)
1959
Bonanza
Prof. Poppy / Dr. P.A. Mundy · (1 episode)
1959
Shirley Temple's Storybook
Captain Creighton · (1 episode)
1958
Battle of the V-1
Stefan
1958
Suspicion
Angus Martin · (1 episode)
1957
DuPont Show of the Month
(1 episode)
1957
Perry Mason
Prof. Edward Lindley · (1 episode)
1957
Omar Khayyam
Hasani Sabah
1957
Island in the Sun
Hilary Carson
1957
Teenage Rebel
Jay Fallon
1956
Dick Powell's Zane Grey Theatre
Matthew Birch · (1 episode)
1956
Dick Powell's Zane Grey Theatre
Grant Coburn · (1 episode)
1956
Dick Powell's Zane Grey Theatre
Marshal Locke Gardner · (1 episode)
1956
The Rains of Ranchipur
Lord Albert Esketh
1955
Seven Cities of Gold
Father Junipero Serra
1955
The 20th Century Fox Hour
Narrator · (1 episode)
1955
Alfred Hitchcock Presents
Allen Bliss · (1 episode)
1955
Alfred Hitchcock Presents
Sir Humphrey J. Orford · (1 episode)
1955
Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
Dr. Henry Jekyll / Mr. Hyde
1955
Soldier of Fortune
Inspector Merryweather, Hong Kong Marine Police
1955
Désirée
Bernadotte
1954
The Wonderful World of Disney
Self · (1 episode)
1954
Climax!
Lord Edward Dominey / Major General Von Raggenstein · (1 episode)
1954
Climax!
Dr. Henry Jekyll / Mr. Hyde · (1 episode)
1954
Climax!
Charles Martin Westling · (1 episode)
1954
Climax!
'Irish' Sean Dillon · (1 episode)
1954
Climax!
James MacLennan · (1 episode)
1954
Climax!
Dr. Fitzroy · (1 episode)
1954
Climax!
Lorenzo · (1 episode)
1954
Mambo
Enrico Marisoni
1954
Princess of the Nile
Rama Khan
1954
Demetrius and the Gladiators
Peter
1954
King of the Khyber Rifles
Brig. Gen. J. R. Maitland
1953
The Robe
Peter
1953
Dangerous Crossing
Dr. Paul Manning
1953
Sailor of the King
Lt. Richard Saville
1953
The Desert Rats
Narrator (voice) (uncredited)
1953
Titanic
End Narrator (Voice)
1953
Les Miserables
Jean Valjean
1952
5 Fingers
Colin Travers
1952
Phone Call from a Stranger
Dr. Robert Fortness
1952
The House in the Square
Roger Forsyth
1951
The Desert Fox: The Story of Rommel
Narrator (voice) (uncredited)
1951
Schlitz Playhouse of Stars
(1 episode)
1951
The Day the Earth Stood Still
Klaatu, alias Mr. Carpenter
1951
The 13th Letter
Dr. Pearson
1951
Trio
Major George Templeton (segment Sanatorium)
1950
The Black Rose
King Edward
1950
The Body Said No!
1950
Miss Pilgrim's Progress
Bob Thane
1949
The Golden Madonna
Mike Christie
1949
Uneasy Terms
Slim Callaghan
1948
Idol of Paris
Hertz
1948
White Cradle Inn
Rudolph
1947
The Root of All Evil
Charles Mortimer
1947
Caesar and Cleopatra
1st Centurion
1945
The Wicked Lady
Kit Locksby
1945
I'll Be Your Sweetheart
1945
The Sky’s the Limit
George
1943
The Big Blockade
George
1942
Tower of Terror
Anthony Hale
1941
Ships with Wings
Lieut. Maxwell
1941
Turned Out Nice Again
Diner
1941
'Pimpernel' Smith
Prison Camp Officer
1941
The Patient Vanishes
Inspector
1941
Dangerous Moonlight
Kapulski
1941
This Man in Paris
Gang Member (uncredited)
1939
Bank Holiday
Guardsman (uncredited)
1938
The Divorce of Lady X
Minor Role (uncredited)
1938
The Squeaker
Medical Examiner
1937
The Gap
Chemist-Radio Operator (uncredited)
1937
Gangway
Ship's Officer
1937
Gypsy
1936
The Conquest of the Air
Marquis d'Arlandes (uncredited)
1936
The Man Who Could Work Miracles
San Francisco Cop
1936
Secret Agent
Army Captain (uncredited)
1936