Ray Walston American stage, film and television actor Date of Birth: 02.12.1914 Country: USA

1. Ray Walston: A Versatile Actor of Stage, Screen, and Television
2. Early Life and Career Beginnings
3. Broadway Successes
4. Film Career
5. Television Fame and Later Career
6. Legacy and Personal Life

Ray Walston: A Versatile Actor of Stage, Screen, and Television

Ray Walston, an acclaimed American actor, left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry through his captivating performances on stage, screen, and television.

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Born Herman Walston on December 2, 1914, in New Orleans, Louisiana (or Laurel, Mississippi, according to some sources), Walston's parents were working-class folks: Harry Norman Walston, a lumberman, and Mittie Kimball. He began his acting career in his early years, securing roles as an extra in New Orleans theatre productions, selling tickets at moviebox offices, and cleaning stages.

Walston and his family relocated to Houston, Texas, where he joined the Houston Civic Theatre company under the direction of Margo Jones, making his debut in 1938. He gained popularity with Jones's troupe and later moved to Cleveland, Ohio, where he spent three years with the Cleveland Play House. Subsequently, the actor headed to New York City, debuting on Broadway in 1945 in "Hamlet."

Broadway Successes

Walston's Broadway career blossomed in 1949 with "Mrs. Gibbons' Boys" under the guidance of George Abbott. Abbott later cast him in the musical "Damn Yankees," where Walston portrayed Satan and Gwen Verdon as his assistant, Lola. The duo's chemistry received critical acclaim and won them Tony Awards. After a decade on the New York stage, Walston won another Tony for "Damn Yankees" and reprised his iconic role in the 1958 film adaptation alongside Verdon.

Among Walston's notable Broadway credits were "The Front Page," "Summer and Smoke," "King Richard III," "Wish You Were Here," "House of Flowers," and "Me and Juliet."

Film Career

Walston's film career commenced with his appearance in "Kiss Them for Me" (1957) and "South Pacific" (1958), where he played Luther Billis. He went on to star in films such as "Say One for Me" (1959), "Tall Story" (1960), "Portrait in Black" (1960), "The Apartment" (1960), "Convicts 4" (1962), "Wives and Lovers" (1963), "Who's Minding the Store?" (1963), "Kiss Me, Stupid" (1964), "Caprice" (1967), and "Paint Your Wagon" (1969).

In 1973, Walston played Singleton in the Oscar-winning crime comedy "The Sting." He also appeared as himself in Robert Altman's thriller "The Player."

Television Fame and Later Career

Walston's television career took off with his portrayal of Martin O'Hara in the sitcom "My Favorite Martian" (1963-1966), co-starring Bill Bixby. The role defined Walston's career, and he struggled to escape the typecast image of the bumbling Martian. However, he managed to regain his acting status and made numerous guest appearances in various television shows throughout the 1970s and 1980s, including "The Wild Wild West," "Love, American Style," "The Rookies," "Mission: Impossible," "Ellery Queen," "The Six Million Dollar Man," "Little House on the Prairie," and "The Incredible Hulk."

In 1976, Walston starred in Arthur Hiller's action film "Silver Streak" as Mr. Edgar Whiney.

From 1980 to 1992, Walston acted in over 14 films, including "Galaxy of Terror" (1981) and "Fast Times at Ridgemont High" (1982), in which he played Mr. Hand. Years after "Fast Times" was released, the actor remarked that he was happy to walk down the street and hear people shout "Mr. Hand!" because it finally separated him from his Martian persona.

Walston reached the peak of his popularity in the late 1970s as Judge Henry Bone on the television series "Picket Fences." He received an unprecedented three Emmy Award nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for his work on the show, winning twice in 1995 and 1996. When "Picket Fences" ratings declined, CBS canceled the show in 1996 after four seasons.

As his career drew to a close, Walston continued to deliver memorable performances, including a guest-starring role in an episode of "Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman" entitled "Remember Me" as Jake Slicker's Alzheimer-stricken father. He played Grandpa Addams in the 1998 film "Addams Family Reunion," reprised his "My Favorite Martian" role in the 1999 television miniseries of the same name, and appeared in the television drama "Pros and Cons." His final film appearance was as "Daddy" in the 2001 independent film "Early Bird Special."

Legacy and Personal Life

Walston passed away on New Year's Day, 2001, in Beverly Hills, California, a month after his 86th birthday and a six-year battle with cutaneous tuberculosis. He left behind a legacy of unforgettable performances, inspiring generations of actors and entertaining countless audiences throughout his illustrious career.