William Phipps, a pioneering figure in 1950s science-fiction, made a lasting impact on the genre with his versatile performances. Notably, he lent his voice to the iconic Disney cartoon, Cinderella (1950),as Prince Charming. This was followed by his starring role in Arch Oboler's apocalyptic drama, Five (1951),where he concealed his youthful appearance beneath a beard.
Phipps also made appearances in Oboler's The Twonky (1953) and grappled with intergalactic threats in Invaders from Mars (1953) and The War of the Worlds (1953). Furthermore, he took on the formidable role of the Abominable Snowman in The Snow Creature (1954).
However, it was his unforgettable portrayal of a hero battling Moon maidens bent on global domination in the bizarre and captivating Cat-Women of the Moon (1953) that solidified his status as a science-fiction icon.
Born in Vincennes, Indiana, Phipps grew up in St. Francisville, Illinois, and exhibited a keen interest in acting from a young age. He showcased his talents in numerous plays during grade school and at Eastern Illinois University. After hitchhiking to Hollywood in 1941, he began his career on the stage and later transitioned to films, starting with RKO's Crossfire (1947).
Over the next six decades, Phipps accumulated an extensive list of film and television credits, as well as commercial and voiceover work, including the narration for the 190-minute TV adaptation of David Lynch's Dune (1984).
