Michael Rennie was an English-born film, television, and stage actor, perhaps best known for his starring role as the space visitor "Klaatu" in the classic science fiction motion picture The Day the Earth Stood Still . However, he also acted in more than 50 other films beginning in 1936. During World War II, Rennie served in the British Royal Air Force. From 1959 onwards, Rennie also appeared in some American TV series, in between acting in movies. Eric Alexander Rennie was born in Idle near Bradford, Yorkshire. He received his education at the Leys School, Cambridge. Rennie tried out a... number of occupations, including periods as car salesman and as the manager of his uncle's rope factory; before deciding on a career as an actor. Retaining his surname but adopting the professional name Michael Rennie, the 6' 4" tall show business hopeful, with chiseled facial features, first appeared onscreen in an uncredited bit part in the 1936 premiere of Sir Alfred Hitchcock's film Secret Agent.
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| Birthdate: | August 25, 1909 |
| Birthplace: | Bradford |
| Date of death: | June 10, 1971 |
| Education: | The Leys School |
| Also known as: | Eric Alexander Rennie |