Actor Bob May Dies Lost in Space Robot January 17, 2009
Bob May, 69, best known as the robot sidekick in the 1960s television series Lost in Space, died in Lancaster, Calfornia, on January 17, 2009, of congestive heart failure. Although May didn't provide the voice of the robot, the robot's frequent refrain, "Danger, Will Robinson," became a nationally known catch phrase. During his career, May appeared in a variety of films and TV shows such as McHale's Navy and The Red Skelton Show. He was also an active stuntman in the 1950s and 60s. May is survived by his wife, two children and four grandchildren.
A USA Today obituary of Bob May is available here.
Bob May talks with
the
Archive of American Television
On August 17, 2003, May was interviewed by Karen Herman of the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Foundation's Archive of American Television.
Bob May was interviewed for two hours in Burbank, California. May, the grandson of Chick Johnson, of the vaudeville duo Olsen and Johnson, began his career as a toddler, performing onstage with his grandfather. He continued the tradition, appearing on stage and television on various shows. Mr. May is known best for his portrayal of the robot on the television series Lost in Space. During the interview, May spoke about the physical challenges of performing in the costume, as well as the feat of giving the robot a "personality."
May's Archive interview will be available online shortly.
The complete interview is also available for viewing at the AAT office, located on the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences plaza in North Hollywood. Contact the Television Archive at (818) 754-2800 for more information.
Learn more about this life and works of this American Archive of Television personality at Emmytvlegends.org.