EVERYDAY NATIONAL TELEVISION'S TOP STORY: Actor Kenneth Tobey, known for classic sci-fi like The Thing from Another World and TV's The Whirlybirds, passed away in December 2002 at age 85, so news about him now is retrospective, focusing on his prolific career, legacy in sci-fi, and his final film The Naked Monster, released posthumously. He was a respected character actor often playing military or law enforcement roles, with a career spanning from Broadway to late-90s TV,. Key Information Died: December 22, 2002, in Rancho Mirage, California, at 85. Cause: Natural causes. Best Known For: Captain Patrick Hendry in The Thing from Another World (1951) and co-starring in The Whirlybirds (1957-59). Career: A veteran character actor with over 200 credits in film and television, appearing in Westerns, B-movies, and TV shows like Star Trek: Deep Space Nine and L.A. Law. Legacy: A staple of 1950s science fiction and horror, his work is celebrated by genre fans, and he continued acting into the 90s. Why You Might See News About Him (Even Now) Classic Film Anniversaries: The Thing is frequently discussed, especially with new adaptations. Genre Tributes: Directors and fans honor his foundational role in sci-fi. Retrospectives: Articles celebrating his long career appear, highlighting his distinctive screen presence. #HollywoodLegends #HollywoodNews #MovieStars #OldHollywood #TopStory #KennethTobey