Bob “Danger, Will Robinson” May Passes Away At 69

Bob May, famous for playing The B9 Robot from the popular 1965s television show “Lost in Space,” died Sunday from congestive heart failure. He was 69 years-old.

An entertainer who’s career spanned for more than 65 years, May, was a veteran actor and stunt man who appeared in movies and TV shows.

“He always said he got the job because he fit in the robot suit,” said June Lockhart, who played family matriarch Maureen Robinson. “It was one of those wonderful Hollywood stories. He just happened to be on the studio lot when someone saw him and sent him to see Irwin Allen about the part. Allen said, ‘If you can fit in the suit you’ve got the job.’ ”

Although The Robot’s distinctive voice was not provided by May, (it was done by announcer Dick Tufeld), May had developed a devoted following of fans.

“Lost in Space” was a space-age retelling of “The Swiss Family Robinson” story in which Professor John Robinson, his wife and their children were on a space mission when their craft was knocked hopelessly off course by the evil Dr. Zachary Smith, who became trapped in space with them.

Mr. May’s robot was the Robinson family’s loyal sidekick, warning them of approaching disaster at every turn. His often-quoted expression to one of the children, “Danger, Will Robinson,” became a national catchphrase.

Source: Mercury News