Let me tell you, folks, sometimes time changes how we feel about things. Take Ray Walston, for instance. He played the iconic role of a Martian in the classic TV sci-fi sitcom My Favorite Martian back in the '60s. The show aired from 1963 to 1966, and it was groundbreaking. It came before other out-of-this-world sitcoms like Bewitched, I Dream of Jeannie, The Addams Family, and The Munsters. The story revolves around a Martian (played by Ray) who gets stranded on Earth and is taken in by Tim O’Hara, a newspaper reporter played by Bill Bixby. Tim tells everyone the alien is his Uncle Martin. But here’s the twist: Ray had some conflicting feelings about the show over the years.
Ray Walston's Initial Excitement for the Role
In 1963, Ray was all jazzed up about the role. He told The Troy Record, “Some of my friends thought I was getting into a rut when I accepted the Martian role, but I didn’t see it that way. Sure, it meant playing the same character every week, but the variety of situations was endless. It wasn’t just about repeating the same lines; it was an opportunity to experiment with new techniques, new tricks, and maybe even learn a thing or two.” Ray was genuinely excited about the challenge and the creative possibilities the role presented.
Three Years Later: A Shift in Perspective
Fast forward to 1966, and things had changed. After the show was canceled, Ray spoke to the Democrat and Chronicle and said, “I’m thrilled the show wasn’t continued. It was like getting out of prison and being free again. I felt like I was going to the foundry every day. The work was grueling, filming 15 pages of script a day was a grind.” You can sense the shift in his tone. What once seemed like an exciting adventure had turned into a grind.
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Two Decades Later: A Bitter Reflection
Now, jump ahead another 20 years to 1986. In a conversation with the News-Pilot of San Pedro, California, Ray opened up about his feelings. He said, “I wish I’d never heard of Martians and spaceships. I hate that show; it nearly ruined my career. If I’d known then what I know now, I wouldn’t have been involved with that show for anything in the world. I would have said, ‘Absolutely not!’” The bitterness is palpable. The show that once brought him joy had become a source of frustration.
Ray Walston's Legacy Beyond 'My Favorite Martian'
Despite his strong feelings, there were certainly highlights in Ray's career that introduced him to new generations. For instance, he played the memorable role of Mr. Hand in the movie and TV series Fast Times at Ridgemont High. And let’s not forget his Emmy-winning performance as Judge Bone on David E. Kelley’s Picket Fences. But, no matter what, Ray and Uncle Martin remain the ultimate example of a love/hate relationship. And let’s face it, despite his protests, it’s the character he's most fondly remembered for.
And yet, there’s so much more to Ray Walston’s life and career. Keep scrolling down to discover the full story.
