The world of sci-fi is a world of infinite possibilities. A world in which strong, powerful women have made a significant impact, both on and off-screen. Women no longer with us, pioneers who have inspired us in so many ways to reach for the stars no matter the obstacle.

Jane Wyatt was one of those women. She received three Emmys ('58-'60) for her best-known role as Margaret Anderson, the mother on Father Knows Best. Considered the quiet power behind her husband, she was powerful yet graceful at a time when men made all the decisions.

Jane made her screen debut in 1934. At the time of her death, October 20, 2006, she had more than 30 movies to her credit including Task Force with Gary Cooper and Gentleman's Agreement with Gregory Peck. Wyatt also enjoyed working on Broadway and added a clause to her contract that allowed her time each year to perform there.

Though Jane had a very successful career outside the world of sci-fi, she was best known to sci-fi fans as Amanda, Spock's mother. Amanda first appeared in the Star Trek episode, "Journey To Babel" and later in Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home. Amanda was the space-age version of Margaret Anderson -- a powerful figure who could quietly influence those around her, even the stoic Vulcans.

We should also remember those actresses who, though they may have had long, successful careers, will go down in sci-fi history for one particular role or scene that can never be forgotten. 

Vienna-born Bibi Besch, for instance, spent several years at the beginning of her career in soap operas such as The Secret Storm and Somerset. In later years, she received recognition for her work in television with two Emmy nominations. One in 1992 for Doing Time On Maple Drive. And in 1993 for Northern Exposure. But what we will always remember her for is her role as Carol Marcus in Star Trek II: The Wrath Of Khan. As Carol Marcus, she was the only woman (Among many, many women!) to ever have a child with James T. Kirk.

Canadian Fay Wray was born in 1907. By the age of 25 she was already a well-known star of silent movies and won the role that would make her a household name. It was then that she won the heart of King Kong. Her role as King Kong's screaming sweetheart put her in the annals of movie history.

Janet Leigh started out her career by playing mostly nice-girl roles such as Meg in Little Women. At the time of her death in 2004, Janet had more than 60 movies to her credit. But the one scene that she will forever be remembered for is, of course, the famous shower scene from Psycho. Her frightening demise helped earn her a Golden Globe award and an Oscar nomination. Shortly before her death, Janet made a notable appearance with daughter Jamie Lee Curtis in Halloween H2O. Their scene together made reference to Janet's most famous role.

Some actresses had more issues to deal with than being a woman in a male dominated industry. Rosalind Cash, for instance, was a black actress who refused to play stereotyped roles. Even though she refused to play certain types of characters, Rosalind had a successful career. She played opposite Charlton Heston in The Omega Man. Rosalind received an Emmy nomination for Go Tell It On The Mountain and she was in the cult classic Adventures Of Buckaroo Bonzai: Across The 8th Dimension.

Madlyn Rhue died of pneumonia in December 2003 after 30 years in the television industry. She appeared in such hits as Have Gun Will Travel, The Untouchables, The Wild, Wild West and Kolchak: The Night Stalker. Most notably Madlyn played Lt. McGivers in the Star Trek episode, Space Seed, one of Trek fan's favorite episodes. Throughout her career, Madlyn struggled with MS. She kept her illness a secret for years so as not to affect her career.

Unlike the other women in this article, Kim Hunter had to be strong in the face of political issues. Even though she won an Oscar for her role in A Streetcar Named Desire, she was blacklisted in Hollywood.

Communist fears ran deep then. In '51, when she was blacklisted, Kim believed it was because of her involvement in a peace conference two years prior. Eventually she resumed her career. Sci-fi fans know her best as Dr. Zira in 1971's Escape From The Planet Of The Apes. Kim died in 2002.

And remembering one who died too soon, Kellie Waymire passed in 2003 at age 36. When she died, Kellie was playing Anne in Kate Crackernuts at LA's 24th Street Theatre. She also had roles in CSI and Six Feet Under. Sci-fi fans may remember her as Crewman Cutler on Enterprise. Her character might have been a love interest for Dr. Phlox if given time.

Actresses weren't the only ones to make an impact in the world of sci-fi. Margaret Armen died in November 2003. She was one of TV's first successful female writers. She wrote episodes for The Rifleman, Barnaby Jones and Land Of The Lost (a favorite of mine as a child ). She also wrote "Gamsters of Triskelion" and "Paradise Syndrome" for Star Trek. She wrote the teleplay for "The Cloudminders" and two stories for Star Trek: The Animated Series.

These women of sci-fi came mostly at a time when it was hard to get good roles for strong females. Through their hard work and perseverance, they opened the door for the future women of sci-fi. So let us always remember those who encouraged us to follow our dreams, who paved the way for us to be something more than the ever-smiling, dutiful housewife, who showed the world that strong, powerful women need not be feared.

Research materials: startrek.com,  latimes.com  and  TV Guide