Robert Clarke

Even though the 1959 science-fiction film "The Hideous Sun Demon" required writer, director, and star Robert Clarke to wear a $500 rubberized lizard suit, it stands as the crowning achievement of his career. After being dropped by RKO Pictures following an initial 1945-48 contract, the Oklahoma native found his stride and left an indelible footprint in the genre of classic 1950s sci-fi. "Sun Demon" came after the actor's long run that decade in other sci-fi B-movie classics such as 1951's "The Man from Planet X," 1957's "The Astounding She-Monster" and 1958's "From the Earth to the Moon." Clarke was way ahead of his time with the movie, shooting it over 12 weekends in the style of many of today's indie filmmakers. In 1983, with a new voiceover cast that featured Jay Leno, it was re-released as "What's Up, Hideous Sun Demon." Much later on, Clarke guested on the evening soap operas "Dallas" and "Dynasty" while continuing to act in a variety of B movies.