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Bob May, Lost in Space's Robot, is dead at 69
Bob May, who wore the robot's suit in the hit 1960s television show Lost in Space, has died in Lancaster, Calif., the Associated Press reported. He was 69.
May died Sunday of congestive heart failure, his daughter, Deborah May, told the AP.
May was a veteran actor and stuntman who had appeared in movies, on 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, which debuted in 1965.
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.
May's robot was the Robinson family's loyal sidekick, warning them of approaching disaster at every turn. His line to one of the children, "Danger, Will Robinson," became a national catch phrase.
In addition to his long-running role as the robot, May also appeared in numerous TV series, including a turn as Adolf Hitler in the 1960s show Time Tunnel, and also performed stunt work in the 1963 version of The Nutty Professor.
May's survivors include his wife Judith; his daughter; his son, Martin; and four grandchildren.
By CheDak825 at 9:29 AM ON 01/20/09
I'm as big a fan of LIS as anyone and I regret Bob's loss, but he was born in '39 and there is no way he could have been in vaudeville, folks.
By Captain Zacary R. Wildstar at 10:42 PM ON 01/20/09
i once herd a story where the crew thought the robot was on fire, but it was just bob sneaking a cigar. and thought I know smoking is very bad, it's a endering story like that, that will make people behind the scenes inportant to any show.
By Cosmicguy at 5:44 PM ON 01/22/09
I interviewed Bob may for Autograph magazine for my column two years ago. He was a really nice guy, and sat and ate with myself and my girlfreind later in the convention to chat about his life with us.....very interesting indeed!
By bob may's lil girl at 11:46 AM ON 02/16/09
Thank you for all of the love sent for my Daddy and our family. We are feeling the greatest loss of the most wonderful man! Our hearts may be broken but, we know how blessed we are to of had him. My Dad was a gift and I will miss him with all my heart everyday of my life! I am so proud to be his Daughter!
By Exec at 3:17 PM ON 10/27/09
I've never met the man - but have been listening to wonderful stories for years of him and what a nice person he was. He sounds like a GREAT man and a great father, our prays go out to his friends and family for your great loss! I wish I would have had a chance to met him once in my life.
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Exec:
I've never met the man - but have been listening to wonderful stories for years of him and what a nice person he wa...More »