_{Boris Karloff as the Monster in Frankenstein (1931)}

Nelson Bond

Science fiction and fantasy short story writer Nelson Bond (November 23, 1908 — November 6, 2006) was known for his “Lancelot Biggs” and “Meg the Priestess” series, and was the literary executor for James Branch Cabell. In addition, he wrote for various radio shows, ran a public relations agency, and was a noted antiquarian bookseller. He was also a member of the Board of Directors of the British North American Philatelic Society.

Larry Hagman

Larry Hagman (September 21, 1931 — November 23, 2012) played astronaut Major Tony Nelson, “master” of Barbara Eden’s genie in the TV sitcom I Dream of Jeannie. He was the son of Peter Pan Broadway star Mary Martin. (Right, with Barbara Eden.)

Boris Karloff

William Henry Pratt (November 23, 1887 — February 2, 1969), better known under his stage name Boris Karloff, played the monster in 1931’s Frankenstein and various sequels, and the Grinch/narrator in the animated TV version of Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas.

Wilson “Bob” Tucker

Bloomington (Illinois) movie projectionist Wilson “Bob” Tucker (November 23, 1914 — October 6, 2006) is known in science fiction for such works as The Long Loud Silence (1952), The Lincoln Hunters (1958), and The Year of the Quiet Sun (1970). He is better known for his career in science fiction fandom as a fanzine publisher (Le Zombie), perennial toastmaster, and for the chant of “smooth” following a swig of Beam’s Choice bourbon. John Clute called Tucker “the most intelligent and articulate and sophisticated fan the American science-fiction community is ever likely to boast of.”

Doctor Who Premiers

The longest running science fiction television series, Doctor Who, premiered on BBC Television on November 23, 1963. (The Doctor’s TARDIS, below.)