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30 years later, Bill Mumy was still proud to be Will Robinson
The actor speaks on what it was like to be Lost in Space.
"Danger, Will Robinson!"
When the space family Robinson first became lost in the infinite depths of space, nobody expected the kid to be the breakout star. Back in 1965, CBS launched Lost in Space into hyperdrive, assuming the show would serve as a vehicle for stars Guy Williams and June Lockhart. The toplining duo were both known Hollywood commodities; Dr. Smith wasn't even in the first pilot. In time, though, viewers made it clear that the real stars of the show were the robot, the dastardly Dr. Smith, and little Will Robinson, played by Bill Mumy.
In a 1997 article for The Orange County Register, Mumy reflected on his childhood amongst the stars. "Will Robinson was a hero," said Mumy. "He was a genius. He had a robot and a laser gun, and he was the guy who saved the day week after week. I LOVED being Will Robinson.
"I'm still very close to the cast from the old series, and we all see each other socially as well as work together at occasional science-fiction conventions and special events. It's been a blessing."
Mumy stayed interstellar for the rest of his career, acting in shows like Babylon 5, and Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. He even lent his voice to an episode of Buzz Lightyear of Star Command. So, Mumy was able to speak knowledgeably regarding what separated Lost in Space from other television sci-fi.
"The arena of space, the future, other worlds, is a wonderful and easy place to let your imagination run wild," said Mumy. "Lost in Space combined adventure, fantasy, and science fiction as well as humor and the basic Western in which pioneer families explored unknown territories and battled hostile environments."
Mumy summarized what made the show special by looking at it outside of the context of genre: "Good science fiction is like good comedy or good drama; it's simply well done."
22 Comments
MeTVPLUS runs it early in the AM. I can't understand why MeTVPlus is never mentioned here,
very odd. I talked to Mumy once at a convention, he used that allusion to LIS being like
a Western then as well.
Jupiter Two, you can claim Doctor Smith as your second, I'll take Major West.
"Television Academy Foundation," about a decade ago? The entire interview is lengthy, but he discusses Babylon 5, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine as well as other topics. One particular part of that interview he discussed his efforts to launch a Lost in Space reunion.