About
"The robot and Will Robinson were like a boy and his dog."
In his one-hour-plus interview, Bob May (1939-2009), the grandson of Chic Johnson (of the Vaudeville duo Olsen and Johnson), describes beginning his career as a toddler and performing onstage with his grandfather. He talks about continuing the tradition, appearing on stage and television on various shows. May details the role he is best known for, that of the "Robot" on Lost in Space. He discusses the physical challenges of performing in the costume, as well as the feat of giving the robot a "personality." Karen Herman conducted the interview on August 17, 2003 in Burbank, CA.
Highlights
Bob May on getting cast as "Robot" on Lost in Space
Bob May on "Robot's" role on Lost in Space and how it related to the other characters
Bob May on working with Jonathan Harris, "Dr. Smith" on Lost in Space
Bob May on the costume for "Robot" on Lost in Space and the expressions he made within the suit
Bob May on the "Junkyard of Space" episode of Lost in Space - the last episode
Full Interview
Chapter 1
On his childhood and early influences; on his grandfather, Chic Johnson of Olsen & Johnson, and performing with and directing the pair; on working with the duo on early television
On continuing to work with Olsen & Johnson when he was drafted into the Army during World War I; on emulating his grandfather
On branching out on his own; on his early television appearances and working with Gene Roddenberry and Irwin Allen
On his grandson receiving a wish from the Make-A-Wish Foundation; on working with Jerry Lewis
Chapter 2
On getting cast as "Robot" on Lost in Space; on the costume for "Robot" and controlling it mechanically
On the biggest challenge of working in "Robot's" costume on Lost in Space; on the dialogue on the show
On "Robot's" role on Lost in Space and how it related to the other characters; on some of his favorite "Dr. Smith" and "Robot" moments
On the cast of Lost in Space
On fan mail he received; on originally not being credited on the show; on being comfortable inside the robot costume
Chapter 3
On specific episodes of Lost in Space; on learning the show would end
On his charity work; on then-current projects; on advice to an aspiring performer
Shows
Lieutenant, The
Bob May on working with Gene Roddenberry on The Lieutenant
Lost in Space
Bob May on "The Vegetable Rebellion" episode of Lost in Space
Bob May on the pilot and "The Reluctant Stowaway" episodes of Lost in Space
Bob May on "The War of the Robots" episode of Lost in Space
Bob May on "The Trip Through The Robot" episode of Lost in Space
Bob May on the "Mechanical Men" episode of Lost in Space
Bob May on the "Anti-Matter Man" episode of Lost in Space
Bob May on the "Junkyard of Space" episode of Lost in Space - the last episode
Bob May on the end of Lost in Space
Bob May on the cult following of Lost in Space
Bob May on getting cast as "Robot" on Lost in Space
Bob May on the costume for "Robot" on Lost in Space and the expressions he made within the suit
Bob May on controlling "Robot" mechanically on Lost in Space
Bob May on how he saw out of "Robot's" costume on Lost in Space
Bob May on the biggest challenge of working in "Robot's" costume on Lost in Space; on the dialogue on the show
Bob May on operating the light on "Robot's" costume on Lost in Space
Bob May on "Robot's" role on Lost in Space and how it related to the other characters
Bob May on working with Jonathan Harris, "Dr. Smith" on Lost in Space
Bob May on some of his favorite "Dr. Smith" and "Robot" moments on Lost in Space
Bob May on the cast of Lost in Space
Bob May on the fan mail he received while on Lost in Space
Bob May on originally not being credited on Lost in Space
Bob May on being comfortable in the robot costume on Lost in Space
To Tell the Truth
Bob May on appearing on To Tell the Truth
Topics
Advice
Bob May on advice to an aspiring performer
Fame and Celebrity
Bob May on the fan mail he received while on Lost in Space
Historic Events and Social Change
Bob May on continuing to work with Olsen & Johnson when he was drafted into the Army during World War II
Television Industry
Bob May on advice to an aspiring performer
Bob May on the fan mail he received while on Lost in Space
War
Bob May on continuing to work with Olsen & Johnson when he was drafted into the Army during World War II
World War II
Bob May on continuing to work with Olsen & Johnson when he was drafted into the Army during World War II
Professions
Actor
Bob May on advice to an aspiring performer
Performers
Bob May on advice to an aspiring performer
Genres
Comedy Series
Bob May on specific episodes of Lost in Space; on learning the show would end
Bob May on playing "Robot" on Lost in Space
Sci-Fi/Supernatural Series
Bob May on specific episodes of Lost in Space; on learning the show would end
Bob May on playing "Robot" on Lost in Space
People
Irwin Allen
Bob May on working with Gene Roddenberry and Irwin Allen
Bob May on getting cast as "Robot" on Lost in Space
Bob May on originally not being credited on Lost in Space
Jonathan Harris
Bob May on working with Jonathan Harris, "Dr. Smith" on Lost in Space
Bob May on the cast of Lost in Space - Jonathan Harris
Chic Johnson
Bob May on his grandfather, Chic Johnson of the Vaudeville duo Olsen & Johnson, and performing with the pair and directing them
Bob May on Olsen & Johnson's pioneering television work and working with the duo on early TV programs
Bob May on continuing to work with Olsen & Johnson when he was drafted into the Army during World War II
Bob May on emulating his grandfather, Chic Johnson
Bob May on what he learned from his grandfather, Chic Johnson
Jerry Lewis
Bob May on working with Jerry Lewis
June Lockhart
Bob May on the cast of Lost in Space - June Lockhart
Bill Mumy
Bob May on the cast of Lost in Space - Bill Mumy
Ole Olsen
Bob May on his grandfather, Chic Johnson of the Vaudeville duo Olsen & Johnson, and performing with the pair and directing them
Bob May on Olsen & Johnson's pioneering television work and working with the duo on early TV programs
Bob May on continuing to work with Olsen & Johnson when he was drafted into the Army during World War II
Gene Roddenberry
Bob May on working with Gene Roddenberry and Roddenberry wanting him for a role on Star Trek