Kenneth Tobey was a prolific American character actor, born in Oakland, California, on March 23, 1917, known for his roles in science-fiction films like The Thing (1951) and The Beast from 20,000 Fathoms (1953), as well as his starring role in the 1950s TV series Whirlybirds. After starting in law, Tobey studied at the Neighborhood Playhouse in New York and served in the Army Air Forces during World War II before beginning his extensive film and television career. He appeared in hundreds of productions, from Airplane! to Gremlins and Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, before his death from natural causes in Rancho Mirage, California, on December 22, 2002. Early Life and Education Born Kenneth Jesse Tobey in Oakland, California, in 1917. Intended to pursue a legal career at the University of California, Berkeley, but became interested in acting through the school's theater program. Received a drama scholarship and studied for a year and a half at New York City's Neighborhood Playhouse, where his classmates included Gregory Peck, Eli Wallach, and Tony Randall. Military Service During World War II, Tobey served in the United States Army Air Forces as a rear gunner aboard a B-25 bomber in the Pacific theater. Career in Film and Television Early Career: Debuted in films in the 1940s and early 1950s, appearing in films such as the noir The File on Thelma Jordan (1949) and the war drama Twelve O'Clock High (1949). Science Fiction Star: Gained recognition for his starring role as Captain Patrick Hendry in the classic 1951 science-fiction film The Thing from Another World. He continued to be a leading figure in the genre, appearing in The Beast from 20,000 Fathoms (1953) and It Came from Beneath the Sea (1955). Whirlybirds : Found a major success in television, starring in the hit adventure series Whirlybirds from 1957 to 1960 as a co-owner of a helicopter charter service. #KennethTobey