Michael Rennie

Best known for his role as Klaatu in the sci-fi classic "The Day the Earth Stood Still," actor Michael Rennie's path to Hollywood stardom was a slow, unique one. Beginning as a car salesman and factory manager, Rennie first worked as a stand-in before putting his career on hold to gain acting experience, studying at repertory theaters throughout Britain. Rennie appeared in numerous minor and uncredited roles throughout the early '40s before proving his acting talent working with one of England's favorite actresses, Margaret Lockwood, on two films: the musical "I'll Be Your Sweetheart" and the period drama "The Wicked Lady." Both films were successful in Britain and led Rennie to Hollywood a few years later. Rennie appeared in numerous films, but none of them nearly achieved the impact of his 1951 film, "The Day the Earth Stood Still," which is considered to be a science-fiction classic. Following his role as the peaceful alien ambassador Klaatu, Rennie appeared in an adaptation of the musical "Les Miserables," although it was not as well-received by critics. With offers for starring roles beginning to dwindle, Rennie seamlessly began to work as a supporting actor throughout the 1950s, appearing in the war film "Sailor of the King" and the drama "The Robe." In the late stages of his career Rennie did extensive work on television, most notably appearing on the popular mystery series "The Third Man." Rennie died from emphysema at age 61.