X Files: From the vault– top guest star appearances
The X Files has a tradition of having top notch guest stars and we have the line up at 1428 Elm. So, grab your sunflower seeds, a beverage and let’s go back in time.
“Whatever tape you found in the VCR it isn’t mine.” – Fox Mulder
Everybody Wants You
In the 90s, the X Files was one of the top-rated shows on Fox. Agents Mulder and Scully were becoming household names along with their real-life counterparts. They were so popular, songs were written about them.
Of course, when you are on that type of playing field, everyone and their brother wants a piece of the action. Actors and actresses were clamoring to be a part of one of the most successful shows on television.
At 1428, we have compiled our X Files best guest appearances for you. Let’s get started, shall we?
Travelers
The inspiration for the X Files came from a great show in the 70s called Kolchak: The Night Stalker. The program was about a beat reporter who always ended up getting wonderfully bizarre cases. On any given week, Kolchak could be investigating vampires, werewolves or diabolical robots. Sound familiar?
Related Story: The Night Stalker: A Horror Classic
It was no surprise that in season five, Chris Carter successfully wooed Darren McGavin, the star of the Night Stalker to play retired FBI agent, Arthur Dales.
Mulder goes to speak with Dales because he handled a case with a man named Edward Skur who was shot to death by police. Supposedly, the last thing he uttered before dying was Mulder. Of course, Mulder feels there is a connection to his father Bill.
As it turns out, Mulder’s hunch was correct and it was an ugly truth for Dales to have to recount. Let’s just say it involved experiments on civilians. A story line that would echo under the overarching mythology of the series for the entire run.
Nothing Important Happened Today
In season nine, fans of Xena got treated to their favorite Warrior Princess as a super soldier. She appeared in a two-part episode called, Nothing Important Happened Today and Nothing Important Happened Today II.
Both shows introduced the William story arc that has continued into the upcoming season eleven. Lucy Lawless was supposed to be a recurring character but ended up having to leave the role of Shannon McMahon due to pregnancy.
Lawless’ character was assisting Agent Doggett in his pursuit of the truth. She is part of a larger conspiracy to create more beings like her.
Clyde Bruckman’s Final Repose
Before he was on the hit tv show, Everybody Loves Raymond, Peter Boyle guest starred in an episode of the X Files. He played Clyde Bruckman, an ordinary guy who was an insurance salesman. However, he had a special gift or curse depending on how you look at it.
Clyde could tell how a person was going to meet their demise. Boyle’s turn in this role won him an Emmy.
How the Ghosts Stole Christmas
This sixth season episode featured guest stars Ed Asner and Lily Tomlin as Maurice and Lyda. Two married ghosts who are haunting a mansion in Maryland. Mulder convinces a reluctant Scully to come and investigate the dwelling on Christmas Eve.
While inside, the agents witness strange phenomenon. Oddly enough, both of them become a little spooked. As it turns out, the ghosts are manipulating them and trying to get them to turn against one another.
Bad Blood
While in Texas, Mulder and Scully are investigating a death that feels like someone is attempting to be Count Dracula. Scully is skeptical but Mulder is certain they are dealing with a bona fide vampire. Mulder ends up driving a stake through a teens heart. This action warrants an inquiry from Skinner.
Luke Wilson of Old School is in this one as well. He plays Sheriff Hartwell who has a secret to hide.
D.P.O.
Even Jack Black made it to the X Files. Giovanni Ribisi plays a teen that knows how to harness the power of electricity. Enter Jack who gets electrocuted by his friend. Now, if that doesn’t inspire loyalty…
Syzygy
Deadpool’s very own Ryan Reynolds was on this X Files episode. According to Wikipedia, the title of the show refers to an astronomical alignment of three celestial objects. Usually the sun, the Earth, the moon or a planet.
Unfortunately, Ryan bites it early and meets his untimely demise at the hands of teenage Satanists. I guess that makes Sandra Bullock in the Proposal seem more appealing.
Lord of the Flies
Jane Lynch, the crazy gym teacher from Glee is in this episode along with Aaron Paul of Breaking Bad fame. She plays a mutant alien insect that takes up residency in a high school principal’s body.
Terms of Endearment
This episode is one of my favorites so I thought I would save it for last. Bruce Campbell plays Wayne Weinsider. He is a demon with a heart of gold who is just looking for a mate to bear him a human child.
This is one of Campbell’s best roles and he is low key enough in his performance that you may not recognize him. Suffice it to say, his turn on the popular series is emotional and even heart wrenching. Here’s a bit of trivia, Campbell auditioned for the John Doggett role only to lose out to Robert Patrick.
Next: X Files: David Duchovney and Gillian Anderson #TakeAKnee
Do you have a favorite X Files guest star? What is the episode? Have you seen any of the shows on the list? Feel free to share your thoughts with us in the comment section below. We want to hear from you!