Thaao Penghlis Movies
A native of Sydney, Australia, with a Greek heritage unmistakable from his "exotic" look, actor Thaao Penghlis claims one of the most familiar countenances in all of daytime drama, thanks largely to his ongoing portrayals of Antony DiMera and his twin brother, Andre DiMera, on NBC's seminal Days of Our Lives. Penghlis originally had no intention of entering show business, and in fact planned to establish himself as an archaeologist, but instead embarked on a career in diplomacy, which carried him to the United Nations in New York. A chance meeting with the acting instructor-cum-director Milton Katselas changed that, as Katselas saw in Penghlis tremendous dramatic potential and encouraged the young man to formally study theater. For a time, Penghlis worked as an antique dealer by day and attended acting classes at night, then accepted a position as assistant to Katselas and followed the professor to Los Angeles, where he began to direct theater and accept roles in films and on television. Following appearances in the films Slow Dancing in the Big City (1978), The Bell Jar (1979), and Altered States (1980), Penghlis landed the role of Victor Cassadine on ABC's General Hospital -- a portrayal so popular that the station reportedly received thousands of letters of complaint following the character's departure. In response, the network attempted to bring Penghlis back, but by that point he had already signed with NBC for Days. Penghlis' resumé also includes a long-running portrayal of Nicholas Black on the late-'80s revival of Mission: Impossible, and roles in the features Memories of Midnight and The Mirror. ~ Nathan Southern, All Movie Guide- 2007
A young girl with a seemingly normal mother and father discovers a household secret that leads to some startling revelations about her family past in this tense meditation on voyeurism starring Kelly LeBrock and Erin Cahill. Nina Theophilus (Cahill) is the daughter of an adoring father (Thaao Penghlis) and a popular actress (LeBrock). While on the surface Nina's family seems about as normal as one might expect for a family with showbiz ties, the discovery of a mysterious hidden room behind one of the bathroom mirrors soon leads to a series of dark revelations involving betrayal, greed, lust, and murder. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Erin Cahill, Kelly LeBrock, (more)
- 1991
Adaptation of Sidney Sheldon's novel features an amnesiac who works to recover her identity and the Greek billionaire who works to make sure that she never does. ~ All Movie Guide
- 1990
Drawn from the novel by Kate Wilhelm, this made-for-cable thriller stars Melissa Gilbert as a grieving young mother who doubts her sanity after seeing the daughter she lost in a car accident. ~ Jason Ankeny, All Movie Guide
- 1990
IMF agent Shannon Reed is dispatched to Bogota by air. Her mission: to locate vicious drug lord Luis Magdalena (Tony Xauet) and put him out of business for keeps. En route, Shannon's plane crashes, causing her to suffer a total loss of memory. Upon awakening, she falls in love with her handsome rescuer -- Luis Magdalena. Written by Frank Abatemarco, "Church Bells in Bogota" was first telecast on February 10, 1990. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Peter Graves, Thaao Penghlis, (more)
- 1990
The IMF pays a visit to a popular Old West theme park in Nevada, but it isn't for the purpose of rest and relaxation. The park is the headquarters of former congressman Ian McClintock (Michael Greene), the head of an organization specializing in arming terrorists. Well aware that McClintock was responsible for the brutal murder of an FBI investigator, Jim Phelps nonetheless engages the villain in a potentially deadly poker game (both literally and figuratively!). Written by Ted Roberts, "Gunslinger" was originally broadcast on February 10, 1990. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Peter Graves, Thaao Penghlis, (more)
- 1990
Having been soundly thrashed in the ratings wars by The Cosby Show, ABC wisely (if belatedly) moved the contemporary Mission: Impossible from Thursday to Saturday evenings on January 6, 1990. The first episode in the new time slot was "Deadly Harvest," written by Jan Sardi. In this episode, IMF agent Nicholas Black takes the place of Jared (Nick Carrafa), a research scientist who has been developing a dangerous virus on behalf of Orambaq, a terrorist nation. Unless the villains are stopped in their tracks, the entire wheat harvest in the United States will be permanently contaminated. Ritchie Singer appears as the head baddie, Jousseff K. (apparently Kafka-inspired). ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Peter Graves, Thaao Penghlis, (more)
- 1990
Written by Jeffrey M. Hayes, "The Sands of Seth" guest stars Tim Elliot as Dr. Selim, the curator of a Cairo archeological museum -- and head of an ancient Egyptian cult. Determined to restore the glories of the Egyptian empires of old, Selim murders anyone who does not share his lofty vision. To get the goods on Selim, the IMF fabricates a series of amazing archaeological "discoveries." With the original telecast of "The Sands of Seth" on February 24, 1990, the Mission: Impossible series revival of 1988-1990 was officially put on hiatus, never to return. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1990
Several unlikely assassins, all minor government functionaries, have themselves died immediately after bumping off their employers. While investigating, the IMF discovers that all of the killers had been treated at the same Boston stress clinic. Posing as an alcoholic newspaperman, IMF agent Nicholas Black tries to get the goods on clinic head Dr. Philip Westerly (Peter Curtin), only to be subjected to Westerley's diabolical "reprogramming" process as well. Originally telecast on January 20, 1990, "The Assassin" was written by Cliff Greene. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Peter Graves, Thaao Penghlis, (more)
- 1990
Fugitive gangster Michael Otagi (Lani Tupu) has established himself as "the God" of a remote Pacific Island. With the help of his partner Regehr (Adrian Wright), not to mention a lethal mixture of "magic" chemicals, Otagi has also enslaved the native populace for the purpose of mining gold. Arriving on the scene, the IMF employs a bit of synthetic hocus-pocus to usurp Otagi's authority. Written by Dale Duguid, "Cargo Cult" first aired on January 13, 1990. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Peter Graves, Thaao Penghlis, (more)
- 1989
To avoid a Federal Grand Jury indictment, unscrupulous Washington journalist Arthur Six (Richard Romanus) blackmails Senator Oxenford (Terence Donovan) into silence. To put an end to Six's perfidy, the IMF assembles a deucedly clever "turnabout" scheme. Also appearing as a key player in the proceedings is John Calvin as Doyle. Set in the Florida Keys, but largely filmed in Australia, "The Fixer" was written by Walter Brough, and was first telecast on February 25, 1989. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Peter Graves, Thaao Penghlis, (more)
- 1989
While in the Florida Keys to prevent deposed dictator Luis Berezan's (Michael Pate) return to power, the IMF tragically loses one of its best agents, the lovely Casey Randall. Thus, the team's efforts to thwart Berezan and his Evita-like wife Emilia (Barbara Luna) becomes a personal vendetta. Jane Badler makes her first Mission:Impossible appearance as agent Shannon Reed, replacing the late Casey Randall (Terry Markwell)--whose very existence was, of course, "disavowed" by the "Secretary." Ironically, guest star Barbara Luna, here cast as one of the villains, played a likewise expendable IMF agent in "Elena", a 1966 episode from the original Mission: Impossible. First telecast on February 18, 1988, "The Fortune" was written by Robert Brennan. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Peter Graves, Thaao Penghlis, (more)
- 1989
Even by drug-dealer standards, Greek millionaire Socrates Colonnades (Cesare Danova) is a particularly odious example. Using his lavish yacht as his headquarters, Colonnades callously diverts funds meant for Third World relief for his own nefarious purposes. To put the scoundrel out of business, the IMF concocts a scheme whereby Collonnades' distributors will think that they are being cheated by him. Written by Ted Roberts, "The Greek" originally aired on February 11, 1989. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Peter Graves, Thaao Penghlis, (more)
- 1989
Prince Mikos (Jeremy Angerson), the 16-year-old heir to the throne of an Asian kingdom, is targetted for assassination by his uncle Ki (James Shigeta). To cover his tracks, Ki has arranged for the murder to take place during Mikos' traditional "Test of Kings" ritual. The IMF shows up to make certain that Mikos --- or "Mike", as he is known to the agents --- is given a fair chance to complete the endurance test, and to expose Ki for the scoundrel that he is. First telecast on February 4, 1989, "The Lions" was scripted by David Philips, from a story by James Crown. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Peter Graves, Thaao Penghlis, (more)
- 1989
The "new" Misison:Impossible moved from Sunday to Saturday evenings with the January 28, 1989 episode "The Haunting." The IMF's target is an elusive serial killer whose latest murder may cancel a crucial oil-trade agreement. To stop the villain in his tracks, the IMF agents play a dangerous series of mind games, with Phelps posing as a mentalist and Max Hart impersonating a lunatic. Janis Paige and Parker Stevenson guest-star as Victoria and Champ Foster. "The Haunting" was written by Michael Fisher. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Peter Graves, Thaao Penghlis, (more)
- 1989
Written by Billy Marshall-Stoneking, "The Pawn" takes place at a Czechoslovakian test tournament. The IMF is assigned to expedite the defection of Soviet scientist and chess champion Dr. Gregor Antonov (Bryan Marshall) --- and also to rescue Antonov's daughter, who is being held by the police as "security". The success of the mission hinges upon an elaborate magic show, staged by professional prestidigitator Zorbuskaya (Rowena Wallace). Originally scheduled for January 8, 1989, "The Pawn" made its TV debut one week later, on January 15. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Peter Graves, Thaao Penghlis, (more)
- 1989
Arms dealer Brian McCarron (Peter Adams) has grown wealthy by supplying both sides of the never ending "troubles" in Ireland. He is aided and abetted by his faithful lieutenant O'Rourke (Rob Steele), who stages phony acts of terrorism to promote weapon sales. Hoping to put both men out of business, the IMF stages a frightening ghostly spectacle to gain influence over the highly superstitious O'Rourke. Originally telecast on November 30, 1989, "Banshee" was written by Ted Roberts. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Peter Graves, Thaao Penghlis, (more)
- 1989
Alex Cord guest stars as master art thief Daniel Travers, whose latest heist has stirred up political unrest in a Far Eastern nation. The IMF learns that Travers is using his knowledge of his employers' motives to extort an enormous sum of money. As a means of crushing Travers and restoring peace in the aforementioned nation, the IMF creates a computer simulation of a rare "lost" Degas painting. Written by John Whelpley, "For Art's Sake" first aired on December 14, 1989. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Peter Graves, Thaao Penghlis, (more)
- 1989
The launching of the first privately funded, manned space shuttle is postponed by the mysterious death of the vessel's pilot. Investigating the possibility of sabotage, the IMF heads to the Australian launching site, only to be swept up in a terrorist takeover of the facilities. Once again, plucky IMF agent Shannon Reed finds herself in grave danger, this time as a reluctant space traveler. First telecast on November 9, 1989, "Target Earth" was written by Stephen Kandel. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Peter Graves, Thaao Penghlis, (more)
- 1989
In another variation of a familiar Mission: Impossible theme, the IMF is assigned to prevent a neo-Nazi uprising. Making the task all the more difficult is the fact that several white-supremacist groups have melded into an international coalition. Posing as a pro-Nazi computer genius, Phelps unearths a diabolical scheme to take over the world with an army of genetically cloned children. Albert Salmi guest stars as Kester, the would-be head of the new Fourth Reich. Written by Frank Abatemarco, "The Fuhrer's Children" was originally broadcast on November 16, 1989. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Peter Graves, Thaao Penghlis, (more)
- 1989
Preempted by the World Series on October 19, 1989, Mission: Impossible returned on October 26 with the nail-biting episode "Countdown." The IMF heads to Central Asia to disarm a nuclear device that is timed to explode in less than 48 hours. The problem lies in locating the bomb, which has been planted in an unknown location by Su Lin (Julie Ow), a religious fanatic bent on restoring exiled ruler General Vang Kai (Cary Hiroyuki-Tagawa) to power. "Countdown" was written by Chip Hayes. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Peter Graves, Thaao Penghlis, (more)
- 1989
General Szabos (Kevin Miles), military leader of the European dictatorship of Sardavia, plans to use his army's annual war games as a cover for his invasion of neighboring Nachbarland. The IMF hopes to thwart Szabos' scheme by capitalizing upon his obsession with astrology. Agent Shannon Reed puts the wheels of the mission in motion by posing as a professional stargazer. Written by Walter Brough, "War Games" first aired on November 2, 1989. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Peter Graves, Thaao Penghlis, (more)
- 1989
Guest star Totti Goldsmith is cast as Elaine, the American-born princess of a European kingdom. The IMF must protect Elaine from being assasinated by an anti-American terrorist group run by George Caron (Robert Coleby). To do this, IMF agents Nicholas and Grant go undercover to join Caron's organization, hoping to bore from within by preying upon the paranoia of hit man Coyote (Dale Stevens). Originally telecast October 5, 1989, "The Princess" was written by Ted Roberts. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Peter Graves, Thaao Penghlis, (more)
- 1989
In the fine tradition of the original Mission: Impossible series, the new IMF team poses as a European circus troupe. The purpose: to locate an artifact proving the atrocities committed by military leader Savitch (Grigor Taylor) and to rescue imprisoned freedom fighter Father Vallis (Ivor Kants). Written by Robert Brennan, this episode is a streamlined and updated reworking of the two-part 1966 Mission: Impossible caper "Old Man Out," which was scripted by Ellis Marcus. "Command Performance" was telecast on October 12, 1989. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Peter Graves, Thaao Penghlis, (more)
- 1989
Exceeding all expectations, the weekly Mission: Impossible revival of 1988 managed to weather its first 19 episodes, graduating to a second season beginning September 21, 1989. In a truly ill-considered move, ABC rescheduled the series to Thursdays, opposite NBC's blockbuster sitcom The Cosby Show (the accompanying ad campaign went something like, "Tonight's Mission: To Give American an Action Alternative to Cosby"). The second-season opener, "The Golden Serpent," was not only the series' first multi-part adventure since 1970, but also brought back one of the original IMF team members, electronic wizard Barney Collier (Greg Morris). Assigned to Australia (where, in fact, the entire series was filmed), the IMF attempts to ruin a drug-running operation by convincing top man Prince Selimun (Patrick Bishop) that his long-deceased twin brother is still alive. Part One of "The Golden Serpent" was scripted by Michael Seims, Ted Roberts, and Jeffrey M. Hayes, from a story by Seims. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Peter Graves, Thaao Penghlis, (more)
- 1989
In the second half of the two-part Mission: Impossible adventure "The Golden Serpent," Prince Selimun (Patrick Bishop), one of the heads of an international drug-running operation, comes face to face with his long-dead twin brother. This "reunion" is actually the first stage of an IMF plan to destroy the drug ring by sowing the seeds of distrust between Selimun and his partner Jonathan Drago (Rod Mullinar). Greg Morris repeats his role from the original Mission: Impossible series as electronics wizard Barney Collier, the father of present IMF agent Grant Collier (played by Morris' real-life son Phil Morris). Scripted by Michael Seims, Ted Roberts, and Jeffrey M. Hayes from a story by Seims, Part Two of "The Golden Serpent" first aired on September 28, 1989. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Peter Graves, Thaao Penghlis, (more)
