Farewell, "Dr. Smith" (Jonathan Harris)

"Chiller Theater" ^

[pollwatcher]

Jonathan Harris
11/06/1914 - 11/03/2002
A Legend Leaves Behind Many Memories

Jonathan Harris' first passion was to be a pharmacist. But as he developed a love for the arts, and shot for his dreams, he was led down the path to become a very different Doctor... Zachary Smith. No one could argue that Jonathan's career choice was a wise one, as this Lost In Space star was responsible for many laughs, amazement and respect by those behind the scenes and the ones watching the television and movie screens. His role as a selfish coward on screen earned him the Cleveland Amory acclamation as "The best supporting actor of 1966."

Lost In Space was Jonathan's favorite, and when the series ended, he vied to find a new niche in the world of enterainment. Possessing an attractive and marketable voice, the actor turned to voice-over work in the early 80s, and continued on that track until his passing. Most recent films included Toy Story II and A Bug's Life.

Through the years, Jonathan Harris was not just an acclaimed actor who found ways to meet his fans and make them smile. He made many off-screen friends, and worked hard to the keep the memories of Lost In Space alive and well. He succeeded.

Jonathan Harris was a special guest at many Chiller Theatre expos. But more so, he was a special friend to all of us. The staff and fans will miss him dearly.

Rest in Peace, Jonathan.

[pollwatcher]

Another Great "Harris" passes on,

A comic genuis,

A sparkling wit in "real" life,

A blazing icon buried deep in Boomer consciousness.

Thanks for the laughs, Jonathan, (and the vocabulary lessons).

You will live forever in this aging child's heart.

And those faint signals from the earliest Lost in Space broadcasts travel thru the ether, gracing every point of the Heavens.

Never to be lost.

[mhking]

"Oh, the pain....the pain...."

Fare thee well, Jonathan Harris.

[areafiftyone]

We are slowly losing all the great television actors. First the screen actors now the television actors and in their places are a bunch of vain lookalikes who have no acting ability except they look good on the screen. We had great television character actors and now everyone is so boring. Rest in Peace Jonathan Harris you were one of my favorites in TV Land!!

[Jeff Chandler]

Harris was a great talent at the center of a lame TV show.

[pollwatcher]

"Oh, the pain....the pain...."

Note that I DID resist using that :-/ :-)

[KellyAdmirer]

Thanks for the post, had not heard this. One of my very favorite actors, a rare original. Wish I had the chance to meet him, knew someone who did a few years ago, Harris spent an afternoon in his office spinning yarns from the old days.

You are missed, Jonathan.

[pollwatcher]

Agreed. Jonathan above all, (or, at least shoulder-to-shoulder alongside Don Knots). With Mory Amsterdam coming in a distant third.

[Billthedrill]

He once said in an interview that at the height of Lost in Space's popularity people were so wrapped up in his despicable character that they'd hiss at him on the street. He would immediately assume character and hiss right back.

[Redleg Duke]

You beat me to it!

Sad to see him go.

[areafiftyone]

Its funny I was watching African Queen last night on public television and I realized how awful our actors and actresses are nowadays compared to the actors from the 30's and 40's and 50's. Its so sad.

[skeeter]

Oh no, whats next - Billy Mumy on the cover of AARP?

[Larry Lucido]

Silence, you ninny!

You bubble-headed booby. Now look what you've done!

(Dr. Smith to the robot)

[yarddog]

Dr. Smith was always one of my favorites. He basically made the show what it was.

Also as a 12 or 13 year old I really thought Judy was tough as nails. For that matter Penny was sort of sexy too. What is really interesting is that neither of them wore anything like sexy outfits or acted racy yet they were still very alluring.

[Larry Lucido]

Still my favorite Lost in Space character:

[sinkspur]

We are slowly losing all the great television actors.

Singers too.

Sniff, sniff.

Lonnie Donegan, voice behind "Does your chewing gum lose its flavor on the bedpost overnight" passed over the weekend as well.

[pollwatcher]

We are slowly losing all the great television actors.

Yes. I got to see, tape and 3D photograph Harris over 5 years ago. But as long as Adam West still seems vital, I don't feel so old. Not yet ;-).

As the little old lady complimented Groucho Marx, "Don't ever die, just keep on living!"

[yarddog]

If your Mother says don't chew it, do you chew it just for spite.

[Keith]

yes...Lonnie inspired many young english kids to become skiffle players...like four lads from Liverpool...

[B-Chan]

My kids will be raised in a world with no Jonathan Harris.

I find that unspeakably sad.

Rest in peace, Dr. Smith.

[PaulJ]

Or , my favorite,"You nickle-plated nincompoop!" (again to the robot).

Now, I can really date myself because I remember him on the Bill Dana Show (You know, José Jimenez). Who here remembers the part he played in that?