You might not have got your interest in Science by reading books but by watching some crazy, quirky, funny, scary, or even evil scientists from your favorite hollywood movies or TV shows. You are not alone! Sci-fi has not only given us futuristic inventions–electromagnetic shrink rays, time-traveling DeLoreans, neuralyzers, and many more but also our all-time favourite fictional scientists.
Although your list may vary, we have tried to mention famous eccentric characters that are popular among the TV and movie buffs! These celebrity sci-fi science heroes have vowed the global audience with their wit, intelligence, and quirk over the years.
(Image Credit: iDominick via Wikipedia)
Sheldon Cooper (The Big Bang Theory)
Bazinga! Dr. Sheldon Lee Cooper is a theoretical physicist at the renowned California Institute of Technology. An eccentric geek, he is fluent in Klingon and shows utter dismay at human interaction. He receives a PhD at the age of sixteen and is a proud owner of restraining orders from Leonard Nimoy, Carl Sagan, Bill Nye, and Stan Lee!
Jim Parsons has been playing the character in the TV series for eleven seasons now.
(Image Credit: Franz Richter via Wikipedia)
Eleanor Arroway (Contact)
Dr. Eleanor “Ellie” Arroway, a gifted scientist, works for the SETI (Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence) program at the Arecibo Observatory in Puerto Rico. Despite facing difficult situations at work, she discovers first alien signals from Vega and travels to the alien civilization 26 light-years away through wormholes!
The character in the Carl Sagan’s book and film adaptation, played by Jodie Foster is based on real-life astronomer Dr. Jill Tarter.
(Image Credit: Maximilian Bühn via Wikipedia)
Professor Charles Xavier (X-Men series)
Prof. X, a mutant himself is the leader of X-Men and founder of Xavier School for Gifted Youngsters! A telepathic genius, he is an alumnus of renowned universities like Columbia and Oxford. He works towards maintaining a harmonious coexistence between mutants and humans.
The character first appeared in comic series, The X-Men in 1963 by Marvel Comics. Patrick Stewart and James McAvoy have both played the on-screen role of Prof. X.
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Spock (Star Trek)
Half-human half-Vulcan, Spock first served as science officer and later commanding officer on-board starship USS Enterprise. Though he is portrayed as a quirky scientist, he provides intensive scientific information to Captain Kirk to take correct decisions to save the enterprise!
Leonard Nimoy played the character of Spock until 2013. Zachary Quinto has also portrayed the role.
(Image Credit: Gage Skidmore via Wikipedia)
Bruce Banner (Hulk)
A renowned scientist in nuclear physics, Bruce Banner selflessly helps others while continuing his noble work in science. However, the gamma radiation mutates his genes and transforms him into a green gigantic alter ego, Hulk, whenever he is provoked! He continues to find solutions to stop the transformation. However, he becomes part of a superhero team in the Avengers!
The character has been played on-screen by Eric Bana, Edward Norton, and Mark Ruffalo.
(Image Credit: Georges Biard via Wikipedia)
Ellie Sattler (Jurassic Park)
Paleobotanist by profession, Dr. Ellie is invited by John Hammond to Jurassic Park to endorse it. However, she identifies the dangers of this theme park, one being poisonous plants. Following the love for her field, she discovers the reason for the sickness of a Triceratops by digging her hand elbow deep in the droppings of the dinosaur!
Played by Laura Dern, the character appears in part 1, 2, and 3 of the movie series.
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Emmett Brown (Back to the Future Trilogy)
Inventor of the DeLorean time machine, “Doc Brown” is a scientist by profession. Although somewhat mad and eccentric, he is kind at heart. He calls himself “a student of all sciences” and names his pet dogs, Einstein and Copernicus after the scientists who inspired him to be an inventor! With Marty McFly, he does many adventures.
The character has been portrayed by Christopher Lloyd in all three parts of the movie.
Do you have favourite fictional characters that shaped your interest in your field? Do share with us in the comments section below!
