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BS: So Long Ray Walston - My Fave Martian

04 Jan 01 - 10:12 AM (#368390)
Subject: So Long Ray Walston - My Fave Martian
From: katlaughing

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


04 Jan 01 - 10:29 AM (#368400)
Subject: RE: BS: So Long Ray Walston - My Fave Martian
From: catspaw49

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


04 Jan 01 - 10:32 AM (#368402)
Subject: RE: BS: So Long Ray Walston - My Fave Martian
From: GUEST,Q

"Dear old Boothby" will be missed.


04 Jan 01 - 10:44 AM (#368408)
Subject: RE: BS: So Long Ray Walston - My Fave Martian
From: Kim C

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. :)


04 Jan 01 - 03:38 PM (#368547)
Subject: RE: BS: So Long Ray Walston - My Fave Martian
From: Jacob B

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?


04 Jan 01 - 06:21 PM (#368672)
Subject: RE: BS: So Long Ray Walston - My Fave Martian
From: RWilhelm

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


05 Jan 01 - 02:37 PM (#369188)
Subject: RE: BS: So Long Ray Walston - My Fave Martian
From: GUEST,gUEST,Guest, guest, (inturder) tseug

yes, he was, in fact.


06 Jan 01 - 03:30 PM (#369844)
Subject: RE: BS: So Long Ray Walston - My Fave Martian
From: catspaw49

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


06 Jan 01 - 05:23 PM (#369930)
Subject: RE: BS: So Long Ray Walston - My Fave Martian
From: Mrrzy

*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!


06 Jan 01 - 11:25 PM (#370163)
Subject: RE: BS: So Long Ray Walston - My Fave Martian
From: Gypsy

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


07 Jan 01 - 12:54 AM (#370201)
Subject: RE: BS: So Long Ray Walston - My Fave Martian
From: Clifton53

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