Bob May was an American actor best known for his role as the Robot in the television series Lost in Space, along with appearances in The Patsy and Nature of the Beast.
Personal and Family Life
Bob May was born on September 4, 1939, in New York City. He married Judith D. Wells on February 18, 1961, and they had two children together, Martin and Deborah. May enjoyed his time as the Robot on Lost in Space, often referring to the suit as “a home away from home.” Together with his family, he toured in a stage show inspired by the comedy duo Olsen & Johnson.
Career Highlights
May began his career in show business at a young age, replacing a midget in the comedy show “Sons-a-Fun” when he was just two years old. He later performed live on TV with notable shows such as “Fireball Fun-for-All” and “The Colgate Comedy Hour.” His significant break came when he was cast as the Environmental Control Robot in Lost in Space, where he operated the character while Dick Tufeld provided the voice. May also made appearances in several films, including performances in Elvis Presley’s movies and some Jerry Lewis films.
Death and Legacy
Bob May passed away on January 18, 2009, in Lancaster, California, due to congestive heart failure. His legacy lives on through his memorable role as the Robot, which remains beloved by fans of classic television. He is remembered not only for his acting skills but also for his warm family life, having faced challenges like losing their home in the 2008 San Fernando Valley wildfires.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Lost In Space Forever | 1998-01-01 | Self (also archive footage) |
| Nature of the Beast | 1995-10-23 | |
| The Patsy | 1964-06-24 | Fireworks Boy (uncredited) |
| Lost in Space | 1965-09-15 | Robot B-9 |