Michael Rennie
Known for: Acting
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.
Filmography
Series
Perry Mason
Prof. Edward Lindley
1957
Series
Batman
Sandman
1966
Series
Bonanza
Prof. Poppy / Dr. P.A. Mundy
1959
Series
The Virginian
Michael O'Rourke
1962
Bob Hope Presents the Chrysler Theatre
Edward Parker Greene
1963
Bob Hope Presents the Chrysler Theatre
Inspector Kauslake
1963
Series
The Alfred Hitchcock Hour
Ralph Manson
1962
Series
Dick Powell's Zane Grey Theatre
Matthew Birch
1956
Series
Dick Powell's Zane Grey Theatre
Grant Coburn
1956
Series
Dick Powell's Zane Grey Theatre
Marshal Locke Gardner
1956
Series
Lost in Space
The Keeper
1965
Series
The F.B.I.
Conrad Letterman
1965
Series
The F.B.I.
Albert Robinson / Major John Anka
1965
Series
The F.B.I.
Eric Reverson
1965
Series
Daniel Boone
Maj. Peter Wellington
1964
Series
Daniel Boone
Edgar Newton
1964
Series
Route 66
1960
Series
Climax!
Lord Edward Dominey / Major General Von Raggenstein
1954
Series
Climax!
Dr. Henry Jekyll / Mr. Hyde
1954
Series
Climax!
Charles Martin Westling
1954
Series
Climax!
'Irish' Sean Dillon
1954
Series
Climax!
James MacLennan
1954
Series
Climax!
Dr. Fitzroy
1954
Series
Climax!
Lorenzo
1954
Series
The Invaders
Magnus
1967
Series
The Invaders
Vice Chancellor Pierre Alquist
1967
Series
Kraft Suspense Theatre
Robert Thurston
1963
Series
The Man from U.N.C.L.E.
Barnaby Partridge
1964
Series
Alfred Hitchcock Presents
Allen Bliss
1955
Series
Alfred Hitchcock Presents
Sir Humphrey J. Orford
1955
Series
The 20th Century Fox Hour
Narrator
1955
Series
The Time Tunnel
Capt. Malcolm Smith
1966
Series
Shirley Temple's Storybook
Captain Creighton
1958
Series
12 O'Clock High
Gen. St. John Keighley
1964
Series
Suspicion
Angus Martin
1957
Series
Branded
1965
Series
The Great Adventure
President Jefferson Davis
1963
Series
The Third Man
1959
Series
The Barbara Stanwyck Show
Julius
1960
Series
The Dick Powell Show
Inspector Marshall
1961
Series
The Dick Powell Show
General Conrad Munday
1961
Series
DuPont Show of the Month
1957
Series
The Wonderful World of Disney
Self
1954
Film
The Day the Earth Stood Still
Klaatu / Mr. Carpenter
1951
Series
ABC Stage 67
1966
Film
The Robe
Peter
1953
Series
Hondo
1967
Producers' Showcase
Howard Joyce
1954
Series
The Danny Thomas Hour
Paul Heaton
1967
Film
Titanic
End Narrator (Voice)
1953
Series
Jericho
1966
Film
The Desert Fox: The Story of Rommel
Narrator (voice) (uncredited)
1951
Film
The Lost World
Lord John Roxton
1960
Film
The Power
Arthur Nordlund
1968
Film
The Devil's Brigade
Lt. Gen. Mark Clark
1968
Film
Désirée
Bernadotte
1954
Film
Demetrius and the Gladiators
Peter
1954
Film
Caesar and Cleopatra
1st Centurion
1945
Film
5 Fingers
Colin Travers
1952
Film
Teenage Rebel
Jay Fallon
1956
Film
Mambo
Enrico Marisoni
1954
Series
Schlitz Playhouse of Stars
1951
Film
Hotel
Geoffrey - Duke of Lanbourne
1967
Film
Secret Agent
Army Captain (uncredited)
1936
Film
The Black Rose
King Edward
1950
Film
Dangerous Crossing
Dr. Paul Manning
1953
Film
The Desert Rats
Narrator (voice) (uncredited)
1953
Film
Naked You Die
Inspector Durand
1968
Film
Princess of the Nile
Rama Khan
1954
Film
Third Man on the Mountain
Captain John Winter
1959
Film
Soldier of Fortune
Inspector Merryweather, Hong Kong Marine Police
1955
Film
Island in the Sun
Hilary Carson
1957
Film
King of the Khyber Rifles
Brig. Gen. J. R. Maitland
1953
Film
"Pimpernel" Smith
Prison Camp Officer
1941
Film
Les Miserables
Jean Valjean
1952
Film
Phone Call from a Stranger
Dr. Robert Fortness
1952
Film
The Horror Show
(archive footage)
1979
Film
Ride Beyond Vengeance
Brooks Durham
1966
Film
Hondo and the Apaches
Tribolet
1967
Film
Cyborg 2087
Garth A7
1966
Film
The House in the Square
Roger Forsyth
1951
Film
Subterfuge
Goldsmith
1968
Film
Omar Khayyam
Hasani Sabah
1957
Film
Mary, Mary
Dirk Winston
1963
Film
The Battle of El Alamein
Bernard Law Montgomery
1969
Film
The Divorce of Lady X
Minor Role (uncredited)
1938
The Letter
Howard Joyce
1956
Film
Ships with Wings
Lieut. Maxwell
1941
Film
Battle of the V-1
Stefan
1958
Film
The Man Who Could Work Miracles
San Francisco Cop
1936
Film
I'll Be Your Sweetheart
1945
Film
Circle of the Day
Eric Millet
1957
Film
Lost In Space Forever
The Keeper (archive footage)
1998
Film
Trio
Major George Templeton (segment Sanatorium)
1950
Film
Seven Cities of Gold
Father Junipero Serra
1955
Film
The Wicked Lady
Kit Locksby
1945
Film
Theremin: An Electronic Odyssey
Klaatu (archive footage) (uncredited)
1995
Film
The Rains of Ranchipur
Lord Albert Esketh
1955
Film
The Conquest of the Air
Marquis d'Arlandes (uncredited)
1931
Film
The Patient Vanishes
Inspector
1941
Film
Assignment Terror
Dr. Odo Warnoff
1970
Film
Sailor of the King
Lt. Richard Saville
1953
Film
The Gap
Chemist-Radio Operator (uncredited)
1937
Film
Death on the Run
Major Worthington Clark
1967
Film
Perilous Assignment
Self
1959
Film
Bank Holiday
Guardsman (uncredited)
1938
Film
Dangerous Moonlight
Kapulski
1941
Film
The Big Blockade
George
1942
Film
Idol of Paris
Hertz
1948
Film
Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
Dr. Henry Jekyll / Mr. Hyde
1955
Film
Uneasy Terms
Slim Callaghan
1948
Film
The 13th Letter
Dr. Pearson
1951
Film
The Squeaker
Medical Examiner
1937
Film
Turned Out Nice Again
Diner
1941
Film
This Man in Paris
Gang Member (uncredited)
1939
Film
The Root of All Evil
Charles Mortimer
1947
Film
The Last Chance
George McConnell
1968
Film
Stoney
Harvey Ward
1969
Film
Miss Pilgrim's Progress
Bob Thane
1949
Film
Seven Into Hell
Blynn
1968
Film
Gangway
Ship's Officer
1937
Film
White Cradle Inn
Rudolph
1947
Film
Tower of Terror
Anthony Hale
1941
Film
The Body Said No!
The Body
1950
Film
The Golden Madonna
Mike Christie
1949
The Sky’s the Limit
George
1943
Gypsy
1936