BS: So Long Ray Walston - My Fave Martian

Subject: So Long Ray Walston - My Fave Martian
From: katlaughing
Date: 04 Jan 01 - 10:12 AM

When we finally got a tv, My Favorite Martian was one of my very favourite shows to watch. Later when Walston went on to play the judge on Picket Fences, I still delighted in his gravelly voice and the wise, curmudgeonly personna with which he imbued his characters.

Ray Walson died the other day at 86 years old. Long may his antennae beam!

kat

Subject: RE: BS: So Long Ray Walston - My Fave Martian
From: catspaw49
Date: 04 Jan 01 - 10:29 AM

I just saw this last night. He was one of my favorites to kat. Another of the wonderful stage actors who found another career in Hollywood and in a way, a third as he aged. We were dedicated PF viewers and the way he created the character of Judge Henry bone was very special.

Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: So Long Ray Walston - My Fave Martian
From: GUEST,Q
Date: 04 Jan 01 - 10:32 AM

"Dear old Boothby" will be missed.

Subject: RE: BS: So Long Ray Walston - My Fave Martian
From: Kim C
Date: 04 Jan 01 - 10:44 AM

Ray Walston was one cool dude. My Favorite Martian is sort of a dim memory as I was just a wee lassie when it was on telly. However I have always had a little crush on Tommy Smothers. I go for the tall skinny type. :)

Subject: RE: BS: So Long Ray Walston - My Fave Martian
From: Jacob B
Date: 04 Jan 01 - 03:38 PM

Applegate, Uncle Martin, Boothby, Judge Bone - an impressive collection of characters.

This is my last chance to ask a question that has bothered me for many years, so I'll ask it here. Many years ago, on one of Boston's classical radio stations (WCRB), I would regularly hear ads for the Ray Walston Fan Club. "Help boost Ray's career." This was well after My Favorite Martian went off the air, but long before Picket Fences. I always wondered why a fan club was advertising for members, why they were doing it on a classical radio station, and in what way they intended to boost Ray's career. I suppose I'll never know, but does anyone have any ideas?

Subject: RE: BS: So Long Ray Walston - My Fave Martian
From: RWilhelm
Date: 04 Jan 01 - 06:21 PM

Wasn't he also the devil in "Damn Yankees?"

Subject: RE: BS: So Long Ray Walston - My Fave Martian
From: GUEST,gUEST,Guest, guest, (inturder) tseug
Date: 05 Jan 01 - 02:37 PM

yes, he was, in fact.

Subject: RE: BS: So Long Ray Walston - My Fave Martian
From: catspaw49
Date: 06 Jan 01 - 03:30 PM

The A&E "Biography" tonight at 8 PM (EST) is Ray Walston. They are pretty good at repeating their programs at a moments notice like this. We saw this one when it first aired and it is well done. The story about his landing the Henry Bone part on "Picket Fences" is worth the whole show.

Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: So Long Ray Walston - My Fave Martian
From: Mrrzy
Date: 06 Jan 01 - 05:23 PM

*Sigh* I just lvoed My Favorite Martian, and I was really happy when he showed up in Star Trek... so long, old dude, may your journey take you even farther!

Subject: RE: BS: So Long Ray Walston - My Fave Martian
From: Gypsy
Date: 06 Jan 01 - 11:25 PM

So, was the remake his last movie? Ray Walston, the world is a little smaller place without you.

Subject: RE: BS: So Long Ray Walston - My Fave Martian
From: Clifton53
Date: 07 Jan 01 - 12:54 AM

Jacob B., it may have been because he had become typecast after the Martian role, and had trouble finding work for a while after it was over. His N.Y. Times obituary mentioned the typecasting angle, and how he knew that would happen, but took the role anyway for financial reasons. This happens to so many actors because of T.V. roles which are too lucrative to turn down. Fred Gwynne is another who comes to mind. After Herman Munster, one of my all-time favorites, he too disappeared for quite a while.

I also enjoyed Walston's performance in the remake version of "Of Mice and Men".

Clifteevee