Tony Verdeschi
Encyclopedia
Tony Verdeschi is a fictional character who first appeared in the second series of the science fiction television series Space: 1999
. He is in his early thirties.
Portrayed by Tony Anholt
, Tony took over the role of Moonbase Alpha
's executive officer for the show's second season. He replaced Controller Paul Morrow
, the base's second-in-command during the first series; no explanation was ever given for Morrow's sudden absence from the programme or lack of appearances or references to Tony in the first series. Unlike Morrow, Verdeschi did double-duty as Moonbase's Chief of Security. He first appeared in the second series opening episode 'The Metamorph
'.
' Commander Koenig does address a spacesuited and helmeted security guard as 'Tony'.)
Of Italian descent, he was born in Florence, Italy. He comes from a long line of farmers. His full name is Anthony Dean Verdeschi; this anglicized name, coupled with his British accent, hints at least one of his parents was a British national. He attended the University of Rome (graduating in 1990) and did post-grauduate studies at Cambridge University in England (graduating in 1993). He joined the World Space Commission in 1994 with the rank of science specialist.
He has an older brother named Guido, whose appearance was assumed by an alien in 'The Bringers of Wonder
', and an outspoken mother, whom Tony can believe would have called the American President for two weeks to demand action after the Moon's cataclysmic departure when told this by the alien Guido persona. His mother is reputed to be a fantastic cook, with a recipe for marinara sauce
that would shame most artisans of Italian cookery.
As originally conceived by producer Fred Freiberger
, the character was to have been named 'Simon Hays', whose backstory included the interesting detail that he was the world's first recipient of a successful artificial heart—in direct contradiction to facts established in Series One (see Victor Bergman
). This detail was, of course, later omitted, along with his having been a fencer and former Olympic athlete.
, the beautiful shape-shifting alien from the planet Psychon. After a playful relationship involving much verbal sparring and innuendo (see 'The Exiles
', 'Journey to Where
', 'The Taybor'), he finally professed his love for her in 'The Beta Cloud
', expecting to die at the claws of the Cloud's robotic servant. Even though he tries to take it back, their relationship progresses and they soon become one of the most popular couples on the base.
He has a number of hobbies, including home-brewing beer
. Despite his hard work and determination, the end product usually has an extremely poor taste, and as such, many Moonbase personnel go to great lengths to avoid drinking it, although they usually try not to offend him ('Journey to Where
', 'The Taybor', 'Catacombs of the Moon
' and 'A Matter of Balance'). Computer determined one of his brews to be unfit for human consumption. The only person to be seen actually enjoying it (apart from the brewmaster himself) was Taybor the trader.
With the official title as head of the Security Section, Verdeschi wears a red sleeve and is stationed in Command Centre with the dual responsibility of being second-in-command. Unlike Paul Morrow
, who came across as stern, no-nonsense, and rather reserved figure, Tony is more emotional, dramatic and outgoing. He usually has a cheerful and upbeat personality; he can become quite harsh and unrelenting when the safety of Alpha, Commander John Koenig
or others close to him is threatened. Like many of Alpha's senior personnel, he is an accomplished astronaut and pilot.
Despite his relationship with Maya, a number of the base's other female personnel find him to be attractive and charming—such as Moonbase botanist Shermeen Williams, who developed a crush on Tony in 'A Matter of Balance' while working together in Hydroponics trying to perfect his brewing skills. He is good friends with and was best man at the wedding of Moonbase personnel Patrick and Michelle Osgood ('Catacombs of the Moon
'). He enjoys a 'best-mates' relationship with Alan Carter and the two are seen to needle and kid each other on several occasions as well as express their mutual admiration for the female of the species ('The Seance Spectre
').
Space: 1999
Space: 1999 is a British science-fiction television series that ran for two seasons and originally aired from 1975 to 1977. In the opening episode, nuclear waste from Earth stored on the Moon's far side explodes in a catastrophic accident on 13 September 1999, knocking the Moon out of orbit and...
. He is in his early thirties.
Portrayed by Tony Anholt
Tony Anholt
Anthony "Tony" Anholt was a British actor best known for his roles as Security Chief Tony Verdeschi in the second season of Gerry Anderson's television series Space: 1999 , Paul Buchet in The Protectors and as Charles Frere in the highly-successful BBC drama series Howards' Way .Anholt was...
, Tony took over the role of Moonbase Alpha
Moonbase Alpha
Moonbase Alpha is a fictional moon base and the main setting in the science fiction television series Space: 1999.-Moonbase Alpha:Located in the Moon crater Plato and constructed out of quarried rock and ores, Moonbase Alpha is four kilometres in diameter and extends up to one kilometre in areas...
's executive officer for the show's second season. He replaced Controller Paul Morrow
Paul Morrow
Paul Morrow is a fictional character who first appeared in 'Breakaway', the premiere episode of the science fiction television show Space: 1999, and was portrayed by Prentis Hancock. He is a British national who appears to be in his early thirties....
, the base's second-in-command during the first series; no explanation was ever given for Morrow's sudden absence from the programme or lack of appearances or references to Tony in the first series. Unlike Morrow, Verdeschi did double-duty as Moonbase's Chief of Security. He first appeared in the second series opening episode 'The Metamorph
The Metamorph
"The Metamorph" is the first episode of the second series of Space: 1999 . The screenplay was written by Johnny Byrne; the director was Charles Crichton. Previous titles were 'The Biological Soul' and 'The Biological Computer'. The final shooting script is dated 19 January 1976...
'.
Character biography
Tony Verdeschi neither appeared nor was mentioned in the first series, so his sudden appearance in the second series was never explained. (Although in 'EarthboundEarthbound (Space: 1999)
"Earthbound" is the fifth episode of the first series of Space: 1999. The screenplay was written by Anthony Terpiloff; the director was Charles Crichton. The final shooting script is undated...
' Commander Koenig does address a spacesuited and helmeted security guard as 'Tony'.)
Of Italian descent, he was born in Florence, Italy. He comes from a long line of farmers. His full name is Anthony Dean Verdeschi; this anglicized name, coupled with his British accent, hints at least one of his parents was a British national. He attended the University of Rome (graduating in 1990) and did post-grauduate studies at Cambridge University in England (graduating in 1993). He joined the World Space Commission in 1994 with the rank of science specialist.
He has an older brother named Guido, whose appearance was assumed by an alien in 'The Bringers of Wonder
The Bringers of Wonder, Part One
"The Bringers of Wonder, Part One" is the seventeenth episode of the second series of Space: 1999 . The screenplay was written by Terence Feely; the director was Tom Clegg. The final shooting script is dated 23 June 1976...
', and an outspoken mother, whom Tony can believe would have called the American President for two weeks to demand action after the Moon's cataclysmic departure when told this by the alien Guido persona. His mother is reputed to be a fantastic cook, with a recipe for marinara sauce
Marinara Sauce
Marinara sauce is a southern Italian tomato sauce usually made with tomatoes, garlic, herbs , and onion. However, there are many variations. Some of these include the addition of capers, olives, anchovies, and/or spices....
that would shame most artisans of Italian cookery.
As originally conceived by producer Fred Freiberger
Fred Freiberger
Fred Freiberger was an American film and television screenwriter and television producer, with a career spanning four decades including The Beast from 20,000 Fathoms, Star Trek, and Space: 1999...
, the character was to have been named 'Simon Hays', whose backstory included the interesting detail that he was the world's first recipient of a successful artificial heart—in direct contradiction to facts established in Series One (see Victor Bergman
Victor Bergman
Professor Victor Bergman is the name of a recurring character on the UK science fiction television series Space: 1999. The role was portrayed by actor Barry Morse.-Character Biography:...
). This detail was, of course, later omitted, along with his having been a fencer and former Olympic athlete.
Series two
During the second series, Tony quickly strikes up a romantic relationship with MayaMaya (Space: 1999)
Maya is a fictional character who appeared in the second series of the science fiction television program Space: 1999. Played by actress Catherine Schell , Maya was introduced in the second series opener 'The Metamorph'...
, the beautiful shape-shifting alien from the planet Psychon. After a playful relationship involving much verbal sparring and innuendo (see 'The Exiles
The Exiles
"The Exiles" is a science fiction short story by Ray Bradbury. It was originally published as "The Mad Wizards of Mars" in Maclean's on 15 September 1949 and was reprinted the following year by Fantasy Fiction, Inc...
', 'Journey to Where
Journey to Where
"Journey to Where" is the fifth episode of the second series of Space: 1999 . The screenplay was written by Donald James; the director was Tom Clegg. The final shooting script is dated 18 February 1976, with amendments dated 2 March, 4 March, 11 March, 17 March, 18 March, 22 March and 25 March 1976...
', 'The Taybor'), he finally professed his love for her in 'The Beta Cloud
The Beta Cloud
"The Beta Cloud" is the fourteenth episode of the second series of Space: 1999 . The screenplay was written by Charles Woodgrove ; the director was Robert Lynn. The final shooting script is dated 11 June 1976...
', expecting to die at the claws of the Cloud's robotic servant. Even though he tries to take it back, their relationship progresses and they soon become one of the most popular couples on the base.
He has a number of hobbies, including home-brewing beer
Beer
Beer is the world's most widely consumed andprobably oldest alcoholic beverage; it is the third most popular drink overall, after water and tea. It is produced by the brewing and fermentation of sugars, mainly derived from malted cereal grains, most commonly malted barley and malted wheat...
. Despite his hard work and determination, the end product usually has an extremely poor taste, and as such, many Moonbase personnel go to great lengths to avoid drinking it, although they usually try not to offend him ('Journey to Where
Journey to Where
"Journey to Where" is the fifth episode of the second series of Space: 1999 . The screenplay was written by Donald James; the director was Tom Clegg. The final shooting script is dated 18 February 1976, with amendments dated 2 March, 4 March, 11 March, 17 March, 18 March, 22 March and 25 March 1976...
', 'The Taybor', 'Catacombs of the Moon
Catacombs of the Moon
"Catacombs of the Moon" is the eleventh episode of the second series of Space: 1999 . The screenplay was written by Anthony Terpiloff; the director was Robert Lynn. The original title was 'The Catacombs of the Moon'. The final shooting script is dated 18 May 1976, with amendments dated 26 May, 9...
' and 'A Matter of Balance'). Computer determined one of his brews to be unfit for human consumption. The only person to be seen actually enjoying it (apart from the brewmaster himself) was Taybor the trader.
With the official title as head of the Security Section, Verdeschi wears a red sleeve and is stationed in Command Centre with the dual responsibility of being second-in-command. Unlike Paul Morrow
Paul Morrow
Paul Morrow is a fictional character who first appeared in 'Breakaway', the premiere episode of the science fiction television show Space: 1999, and was portrayed by Prentis Hancock. He is a British national who appears to be in his early thirties....
, who came across as stern, no-nonsense, and rather reserved figure, Tony is more emotional, dramatic and outgoing. He usually has a cheerful and upbeat personality; he can become quite harsh and unrelenting when the safety of Alpha, Commander John Koenig
John Koenig
John Koenig is a fictional character from the television series Space: 1999. He was played by Martin Landau. He is American, apparently in his early forties.-Character Biography:...
or others close to him is threatened. Like many of Alpha's senior personnel, he is an accomplished astronaut and pilot.
Despite his relationship with Maya, a number of the base's other female personnel find him to be attractive and charming—such as Moonbase botanist Shermeen Williams, who developed a crush on Tony in 'A Matter of Balance' while working together in Hydroponics trying to perfect his brewing skills. He is good friends with and was best man at the wedding of Moonbase personnel Patrick and Michelle Osgood ('Catacombs of the Moon
Catacombs of the Moon
"Catacombs of the Moon" is the eleventh episode of the second series of Space: 1999 . The screenplay was written by Anthony Terpiloff; the director was Robert Lynn. The original title was 'The Catacombs of the Moon'. The final shooting script is dated 18 May 1976, with amendments dated 26 May, 9...
'). He enjoys a 'best-mates' relationship with Alan Carter and the two are seen to needle and kid each other on several occasions as well as express their mutual admiration for the female of the species ('The Seance Spectre
The Seance Spectre
"The Seance Spectre" is the twentieth episode of the second series of Space: 1999 . The screenplay was written by Donald James; the director was Peter Medak. The original title was 'The Mutiny'. The final shooting script is dated 16 September 1976...
').
External links
- Space 1999 Cybermuseum - Moonbase Alpha Technical Manual Bio Tony Verdeschi
- Space 1999 Catacombs - Character Profile Tony Verdeschi