Ray: How did you get the role of Dr. Smith on Lost in Space?
Jonathan: My then-agent called me to say that Irwin Allen was doing a series at
Century Fox called Lost In Space, and he wanted to see some film on me. I
asked the agent what was the part. " I don't know," said "Mr. 10%." I told him
to tell Allen that I hesitate to show film that was not close to the part
that he had in mind. I'd rather show him the real thing, me. Said the agent,
"He is not going to like that."
I said, "Too bad." (You know that I really used some expletives instead.)
Twenty minutes later the agent rang. Irwin Allen said "Who the hell does he think
he is, and I'll see him at 4 o'clock." My meeting with Irwin was quite a tale
in itself. Suffice to say I left his office with Dr. Smith in my hand.
Ray: Did you think that Lost In Space would be quite a hit as it is
in the year 2000?
Jonathan: I can honestly say that I gave no thought of the longevity of the show
while I was working. I was working very hard, and I knew that I was involved
in a very interesting show.
The fact that Lost in Space is a cult classic all over the world is wonderful
and it warms the cockles of my heart.
Ray: How was it working with Irwin Allen?
Jonathan: It was interesting to say the least. He was a complex man and not easy
to fathom. He was very difficult to work with. I had the greatest respect
for his expertise in the areas of which he functioned. I am not altogether
sure that he liked actors. I studied him, and gave him the utmost respect as
my boss. Also, I made it plain that I was his star, and that I should be treated as
such. Our relationship in the work brought rewards for him and for me as well.
Ray: Who was your favorite director on Lost in Space?
Jonathan: Don Richardson without a doubt.
Ray: Who were some of your favorite guest stars to work on Lost in Space?
Jonathan: We had so many fine actors guest starring: Michael Rennie, my dear
friend with whom I co-starred in my first TV series, The Third Man. Dear
Mercedes McCambridge, Strother Martin, Dennis Patrick, Mike Kellin, Gerald
Mohr, Malachi Thorne, Fritz Feld and so many more wonderful actors. It was
quite a treat to work with them and an honor as well.
Ray: How did you come up with all the robot alliterative names?
Jonathan: That's quite a tale. I was hired to be a real villain, deadly and dark.
I knew before long that if I continued to play the part that way, without any
redeeming facets in his nature, they would kill me off in 5-6 shows. I
thought very carefully how to avoid this, and decided to introduce bits of
comedy. Comedic villainy has always been my forte.
Irwin Allen came to my dressing room one day and said, "Do more," and for the
first time in my theatrical TV career, I had carte blanche to create a whole
new character.
I decided that the Robot had to be an integral part of the "New" Smith. I
decided also to use him as a "foil," and since he had no other name than 'the
robot,' I began to think in terms of "fun" names. The alternatives came out of
that, and became famous. Bubble Headed Booby and Neanderthal Ninny became
catch phrases all over the world.
Ray: Out of the three seasons, which costume did you like the best?
Jonathan: They were all the same. They differed only in color. All were hot, and
the looked wonderful on screen.
Ray: Dr. Smith was very deep and dark in the first season. Did you feel that
this would work?
Jonathan: I did not feel that this would not work, and I would be killed off
in 5-6 shows. Then I would be job-less again, which is very boring. Comedic
villainy is the best type of villainy. And may I add my plans did certainly
work to enhance the show.
Ray: How did you feel about all the special effects on Lost in Space?
Jonathan: I thought they were wonderful. For the time 1965-1968, the special
effects were first rate and very effective. Naturally compared to the special
effects of the present day, ours pales a bit. But, they worked beautifully
for us.
Ray: Which were your favorite episodes?
Jonathan: I liked "Cave of Wizards," "West of Mars," and "His Majesty Smith," the
best. In "Cave of Wizard" I liked dressing up in that extravagant wardrobe. In
"West of Mars" I liked playing 2 parts, Dr. Smith and Zeno. In "His Majesty
Smith," well, the title says it all.
Ray: Was there someone on the set who would set-up all these beautiful
promo shots that we see you in?
Jonathan: Yes, there were two people involved - Jet Fore and Tony Habebe. Jett would set-up all of the promo shots - for instance, me with the Robot, holding a hotdog.
Every holiday he would say, "Jonathan we want you with the Robot, with a heart
for Valentines Day, or something different all the time."
Tony Habebe worked closely with Irwin. During the second season I was working
very hard, and needed a break. I told Tony to get me out of the set for
awhile, and go somewhere for a little break, a little promo tour. I told him
to tell Irwin that we would bring him back a rating point if he did this.
Well, Tony went to Irwin and asked. Irwin said "Tell Jonathan that he stays
and works." And so I did.
Ray: What are you doing today?
Jonathan: I do voice work exclusively. After 612 TV films I decided to forgo this
pleasure, and concentrate on the voice work. I've done hundreds of animated
films, including A Bug's Life and Toy Story 2. I find that working with the voice wizards is inspiring.