Posts: 42981 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 01-19-2009 01:14 AM
The Associated Press reports that Bob May, who donned The Robot's suit in the 1960s television show "Lost in Space," has died. He was 69.
May died Sunday of congestive heart failure at a hospital in Lancaster, said his daughter, Deborah May.
He was a veteran actor and stuntman who had appeared in movies, TV shows and on the vaudeville stage when he was tapped by "Lost in Space" creator Irwin Allen to play the Robinson family's loyal metal sidekick in the series that debuted in 1965.
"He always said he got the job because he fit in the robot suit," said June Lockhart, who played family matriarch Maureen Robinson. "It was one of those wonderful Hollywood stories. He just happened to be on the studio lot when someone saw him and sent him to see Irwin Allen about the part. Allen said, 'If you can fit in the suit, you've got the job.'"
Although May didn't provide the robot's distinctive voice (that was done by announcer Dick Tufeld), he developed a following of fans who sought him out at memorabilia shows.
Lunar rock nut Member
Posts: 911 From: Oklahoma city, Oklahoma U.S.A. Registered: Feb 2007
posted 01-19-2009 04:53 AM
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Terry
NavySpaceFan Member
Posts: 655 From: Norfolk, VA Registered: May 2007
posted 01-19-2009 06:08 AM
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Delta7 Member
Posts: 1505 From: Bluffton IN USA Registered: Oct 2007
posted 01-19-2009 07:56 AM
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albatron Member
Posts: 2732 From: Stuart, Florida Registered: Jun 2000
posted 01-19-2009 10:21 AM
A tremendously funny man in person with very risque humour. I met him at Autographica one year when they had most of the living crew from Lost in Space. A true gent and space nut in his own right.
RIP Bob. Thanks for your kindnesses.
Henk Boshuijer Member
Posts: 450 From: Netherlands Registered: May 2007
posted 01-19-2009 10:49 AM
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GACspaceguy Member
Posts: 2474 From: Guyton, GA Registered: Jan 2006
posted 01-19-2009 11:26 AM
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Rob Joyner Member
Posts: 1308 From: GA, USA Registered: Jan 2004
posted 01-19-2009 03:14 PM
I had the honor of meeting him at the Burbank show in '04.
I got him to sign an 8 X 10 of him and the B-9 to me... "That's 'To Ron'?" "No. Rob. R-o-b." "Oh, 'Rob'. I can spell that!"
I then had May sign another photo to my friend Bob... "And this is 'To Bob'?" "That's right." "Well, hell, I'd BETTER be able to spell that!"
LCDR Scott Schneeweis New Member
Posts: From: Registered:
posted 01-19-2009 03:33 PM
In his honor I suggest we all watch a Lost in Space Marathon.
posted 01-19-2009 01:14 AM
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