Michael Rennie

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.

Known For

Klaatu, alias Mr. Carpenter

The Day the Earth Stood Still

Dr. Odo Warnoff

Los monstruos del terror

Lord John Roxton

The Lost World

Gang Member (uncredited)

This Man in Paris

Narrator (voice) (uncredited)

The Desert Fox: The Story of Rommel

Inspector

The Patient Vanishes

(archive footage)

The Horror Show

Kit Locksby

The Wicked Lady

Dr. Paul Manning

Dangerous Crossing

Peter

The Robe

Peter

Demetrius and the Gladiators

Bernadotte

Désirée

Hilary Carson

Island in the Sun

Garth A7

Cyborg 2087

Lt. Richard Saville

Sailor of the King

Inspector Merryweather, Hong Kong Marine Police

Soldier of Fortune

Arthur Nordlund

The Power

Captain John Winter

Third Man on the Mountain

Brig. Gen. J. R. Maitland

King of the Khyber Rifles

Lord Albert Esketh

The Rains of Ranchipur

Dr. Pearson

The 13th Letter

Roger Forsyth

The House in the Square

Dr. Robert Fortness

Phone Call from a Stranger

Jay Fallon

Teenage Rebel

Colin Travers

5 Fingers

The Keeper (archive footage)

Lost In Space Forever

Brooks Durham

Ride Beyond Vengeance

Bernard Law Montgomery

La battaglia di El Alamein

Tribolet

Hondo and the Apaches

Dirk Winston

Mary, Mary

Jean Valjean

Les Miserables

Father Junipero Serra

Seven Cities of Gold

Anthony Hale

Tower of Terror

Self

Perilous Assignment

Rama Khan

Princess of the Nile

Klaatu (archive footage) (uncredited)

Theremin: An Electronic Odyssey

Hasani Sabah

Omar Khayyam

Charles Mortimer

The Root of All Evil

Major Worthington Clark

Bersaglio mobile

Rudolph

White Cradle Inn

Harvey Ward

Stoney

Goldsmith

Subterfuge

George McConnell

Scacco Internazionale

Blynn

Giugno '44 - Sbarcheremo in Normandia

Chemist-Radio Operator (uncredited)

The Gap

George

The Sky’s the Limit

Narrator (voice) (uncredited)

The Desert Rats

Geoffrey - Duke of Lanbourne

Hotel

Ship's Officer

Gangway

Army Captain (uncredited)

Secret Agent

Enrico Marisoni

Mambo

Medical Examiner

The Squeaker

Major George Templeton (segment Sanatorium)

Trio

I'll Be Your Sweetheart

Bob Thane

Miss Pilgrim's Progress

The Body Said No!

Mike Christie

The Golden Madonna

Slim Callaghan

Uneasy Terms

Lieut. Maxwell

Ships with Wings

King Edward

The Black Rose

George

The Big Blockade

Stefan

Battle of the V-1

Dr. Henry Jekyll / Mr. Hyde

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde

Lt. Gen. Mark Clark

The Devil's Brigade

Diner

Turned Out Nice Again

Prison Camp Officer

'Pimpernel' Smith

Kapulski

Dangerous Moonlight

Minor Role (uncredited)

The Divorce of Lady X

End Narrator (Voice)

Titanic

1st Centurion

Caesar and Cleopatra

Marquis d'Arlandes (uncredited)

The Conquest of the Air

Hertz

Idol of Paris

Inspector Durand

Nude... si muore

San Francisco Cop

The Man Who Could Work Miracles

Guardsman (uncredited)

Bank Holiday

Gypsy