the Lost in Space robot passed away

[kingdom warrior]

Thanks Hector. What most people don't realize is that dynamic between the robot and Dr. Smith was something Bob May and Jonathan Harris worked out. It wasn't originally part of the concept. But fans loved the chemistry May and Harris had developed, so as Season two unfolded Irwin Allen placed more emphasis on that relationship. Dick Tufeld was brought on set to witness May's performance so he could properly mimmick the exchange using his own vocal talents. It truly took two actors to bring the robot to life. But had May not taken the initiative to breath life into that costume, we wouldn't have the show as it is remembered today. And trust me, Bob May fully understood how some viewed him as simply a costume actor, but he knew better and brought the same enthusiasm to his remembrance of the part as he did when he first put on the treads. He wasn't trying to take credit where credit wasn't due. But he did, properly so, want people to know where he was involved in the creative process. He was performing those lines, not just speaking them for vocal queues.
On a sad note, his death was not fully explained in the detail that it was deserving. The Mays lost their home in those fires that spread through California and Bob and his family was not given much time to collect up many things before his home was destroyed. In the process he was the victim of smoke inhalation which created a string of medical conditions that ultimately led to her premature death. It is a very sad ending to a man who was a beautiful soul.

Perfectly said...my condolences to you.

[Hector]

Thanks Hector. What most people don't realize is that dynamic between the robot and Dr. Smith was something Bob May and Jonathan Harris worked out. It wasn't originally part of the concept. But fans loved the chemistry May and Harris had developed, so as Season two unfolded Irwin Allen placed more emphasis on that relationship. Dick Tufeld was brought on set to witness May's performance so he could properly mimmick the exchange using his own vocal talents. It truly took two actors to bring the robot to life. But had May not taken the initiative to breath life into that costume, we wouldn't have the show as it is remembered today. And trust me, Bob May fully understood how some viewed him as simply a costume actor, but he knew better and brought the same enthusiasm to his remembrance of the part as he did when he first put on the treads. He wasn't trying to take credit where credit wasn't due. But he did, properly so, want people to know where he was involved in the creative process. He was performing those lines, not just speaking them for vocal queues.
On a sad note, his death was not fully explained in the detail that it was deserving. The Mays lost their home in those fires that spread through California and Bob and his family was not given much time to collect up many things before his home was destroyed. In the process he was the victim of smoke inhalation which created a string of medical conditions that ultimately led to her premature death. It is a very sad ending to a man who was a beautiful soul.

What a bummer of him going through those fires which ultimately caused his death.

You are right about him being more than a dude inside a costume.

I always got a kick of the "organic" body movement/language the robot made, especially when interacting with Jonathan Harris...it was beautiful comic timing...things the average viewer took for granted.

I for one was a huge fan of Mr May...I hope he and Mr Harris are still at it up in Heaven (or some other wonderful out worldly cosmic journey).

[Hector]

"It was so difficult to get inside the suit, that he would stay inside even during breaks in filming. Because he couldn't respond to external cues, he would learn the lines of all of the actors in each show so that he would know when it was his line. During breaks, he would puff on a cigarette inside the suit, with the smoke coming out of the suit amusing other members of the cast."

If that's not acting, I don't know what is.