Lost in Space - Jonathan Harris at Megacon 1998 Part III

I thought the whole thing was fun and gills in the show. And it was lovely and everything was wonderful and the ratings were marvelous. And it became a cult classic all over the world. Thanks to Jonathan...if I do say so myself. Aided and abetted by a marvelous actor named Billy Mumy and a crazy robot. And I developed that relationship all the way down the line. Irwin [Allen] did a good thing. he gave me carte blanche. He gave me anything I want. The first and only time in the history of my vast career. Because I hate the man he hired me to play. He was a deep, dark snarling villain...grrr...you know. And I said [to myself] Well, four episodes and, they'll have to kill me off. Unemployedagain." I hate doing those dreadful villains. I enjoy very much doing comedic villains. I've made a career of that. They're fun, the real villains, but they're also delicious. And I make them think they lack blue blood. So I said [to myself] "Well, either way, I'm going to get my $^%# thrown out in the snow. I can do it. I'll start sneaking in bits, and hope they won't be noticed."

He [Irwin Allen] noticed. And one day, I'll never forget, he came to my dressing room and pointed that finger...always under my nose. I hated that. And he [Allen] said, "I know what you're doing!!!"

I backed up and said, "Well???....And????"

"Umm...Ummm....Do more!" [Audience laughs]

That was my carte blanche. Every word you heard I wrote, or rewrote. I developed the relationship between the robot, and myself, and the boy. And it all worked. And the ratings went sky high. And that's the bible. And so it all worked and I had to turn him off.

It all worked. An actor's favorite words. The story continues still, please press "Next Article" to continue.

Robert

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