Condolences to
Gertrude & Richard
on the Passing of
Jonathan Harris
Husband & Father
on
3rd November 2002
Jonathan passed peacefully
in his sleep at his local hospital
with wife Gertrude
at his side.

He will be Truly Missed!!

Here we give you a Biography of Jonathan's work
and a review of his Australian tour
12th - 18th March 1994.

The following is the biography supplied by
Jonathan Harris for his Australian tour.



Pictures © 2002 Fox Studios Australia Pty Limited.
All rights reserved. Affiliate of Panavision Pty.Ltd.

The fact that Jonathan Harris has been described by critics as "The Complete Actor" should surprise no one who is familiar with the work of this versatile performer. He has learned his craft well and is undeniably proud of it.

The articulate, urbane New Yorker is equally at home on the stage or in front of a camera in roles ranging from Hindustani jewel thief, Chinese villain, varied and sundry eccentrics, et al. He describes himself as a character actor and says, "it doesn't get any better than that, you can go on forever."

Harris is perhaps best known to the world wide television audience as the wicked but lovable Dr. Zachary Smith in the TV series, "Lost in Space". As the star of the series Harris travelled all over the world on press junkets for CBS and Twentieth Century Fox. The show was dubbed in many languages and he has heard himself in all of them - a rare treat.

Harris had appeared in over 600 television films, including "The Third Man Series" in which he co - starred with Michael Rennie. Half of this series was shot in Hollywood and the other half in London, the "Bill Dana Series" for NBC, in "Battlestar Galactica" for Universal, he was the Voice of Lucifer, The "Space Academy Series", in which he played a 300 year old man, many animated series for Filmation, Hanna Barbera, Disney, Universal. Currently he is the voice of "Big Ben" in "Problem Child" for Universal Animation, and he can be heard in "The Visionaries" and Aladdin Animation for Disney. Harris is a much sought after performer for these series.

Harris performed in the first live television performance presentations from New York City, then went on to perform in all the famous live programs that made television history; Studio One, Omnibus, Pulitzer Prize Playhouse, etc. He has also appeared in virtually every major TV episodic series, including his favourite "Twilight Zone" appearances.

Jonathan Harris in an episode
of Twilight Zone - 'The Silence' 1961

Harris' early training was on the stage. He made his Broadway debut in "The Heart of a City", after appearing in over 100 plays in repertory companies all over the country. Subsequently, he appeared on Broadway in "A Flag is Born" with Marlon Brando and Paul Muni. Also on Broadway, he was the fanatical Prospector in "The Madwoman of Chaillot" for 545 performances, the pixilated psychiatrist in "The Teahouse of the August Moon" for 624 performances, the musical "Hazel Flagg" for 416 performance in which he sang and danced on the stage for the first time, Truman Capote's "The Grass Harp" which he later repeated on television with Lillian Gish, "Joan of Lorraine", "The Man Who Corrupted Hadleyburg", "Danny Larkin", "Right Next to Broadway".

Jonathan Harris in an episode of the
70's TV Series VEGA$

Shakespeare and other classics figure prominently in Harris' background, both on Broadway and in repertory. Harris regularly takes time out from his busy television and recording activities to return to the legitimate theatre. He tours in "The Man Who Came To Dinner", "Damn Yankees", "Irene", "The Pleasure of his Company", "Visit to a Small Planet".

Although Harris' major film career has been in television, he has appeared in feature pictures with Alan Ladd, James Mason, Bette Davis.

Harris is a prominent headliner for science fiction conventions all over the world. He enjoys meeting the many thousands of people who have supported his television activities throughout the years.

Harris is now one of the most popular and sought after performers in the voice and commercial field. So date, he has "spoken" for 193 products, advertising everything from airlines and motor cars to pizza and pancakes.

Jonathan Harris presented with a new Latex head
from a fan who heard that the one that Jonathan
had from an episode from the series had perished.

Harris is a regular soloist with The Flint Symphony Orchestra, narrating "Peter and the Wolf", Aaron Copland's, "Lincoln Portrait", Joseph Schwantner's "Free At Last". He is also the host for the recordings of the orchestra on audio cassette.

******

Never Fear Smith is Here!!
Australian Tour
March 1994

Review by Glenn Ware

Well, it did Happen! The one and only tour of Jonathan Harris and The Robot, was staged in Sydney, Australia and his shows turned out to be legendary, to say the least. Congratulations to all those people who worked behind the scenes. As Jonathan has stated, "It was a Hell of a show, fully professional and a time I will never forget: Hallelujah"!

Publicity wise, it was the most successful appearance of any American visitor in recent memory. Even our publicity organisation, Bruce Pollack and Associates, were amazed by his appeal. They said, "Never before, had we experienced All media outlets vying for a performer - It wouldn't matter if an opposition station had presented him, everybody still wanted him to appear on their program. He was simply - Hot Property!!! "

For Jonathan Harris, who is now in his seventies, found the publicity trail very exhausting but rewarding as well. Jonathan appeared on 14 Television shows, 26 Radio programs and was seen everywhere the print media. How did Jonathan Hams feel about the Australian Media - Well he said many times that the interviewers in Australia are of very high calibre - first rate - and he was generally very pleased with our country's press, radio and television.
(By the way - according to the AGB McNair survey, over Two million people saw Jonathan Harris on Australian Television!)

At his live shows at the Seymour Centre, Jonathan proved to be the consummate performer, reviewed by many critics to be the best orator they have ever seen and heard! (Wow!) From start to finish his shows were fascinating, exciting and also emotional. Australian audiences gave Jonathan Harris a Standing ovation before and after his performances - I have seen many shows in my lifetime, and the only other time I've ever seen a Standing ovation before an artist speaks his first word, was for Frank Sinatra. Truly a high accolade!

Jonathan's shows had capacity crowds each night and broke all records by attracting more people to a live show than any other Science Fiction television star in Australia's history.

At the beginning of every show, (which was called "Never Fear, Smith is Here!"), Sydney's Number One Radio announcer, Pete Graham from 2WS FM 101.7, introduced the show, welcomed the crowd and explained the format of the show. After the introduction, three big screens were lowered and a seventeen minute, Jonathan Harris film documentary was screened. There were scenes from "BOTANY BAY", "THE THIRD MAN", "THE BILL DANA SHOW", "ZORRO" "GET SMART", "BONANZA", "BEWITCHED", "THE TWILIGHT ZONE" and of course many hilarious and exciting moments from "LOST IN SPACE".

Jonathan Harris in another episode of the
Twilight Zone called Autogal
His screen character was ironically named
Dr Smithers

Then - for the first time on an Australian stage, The Robinson Robot, complete with the original 'Lost in Space' music and Robot sound effects, slowly rolled on stage to the delight of the huge crowd. The applause was very loud and long... then a hush came over the crowd in anticipation of hearing the Robot's famous voice... and nobody was disappointed!

In Dick Tufeld's best Robot voice was heard a very familiar,
"WARNING, WARNING, DANGER, DANGER!"

The applause once again shook the theatre. After a few wonderful lines of Robot dialogue, the Robot introduced - The One and certainly the Only Dr Zachary Smith - Mr Jonathan Harris.
The building erupted - everybody stood up and the ovation started. The applause was deafening. I was at the sound engineer's desk. I remember clearly seeing the technician's faces, their jaws dropped to the ground! They had never seen anything like this. The lighting technicians were very quick to turn the house lights up to full. There was nobody sitting down! It was the most amazing sight. Jonathan was close to tears standing at the lectern, as the love, devotion and respect was clearly shown by the Australian people in the tremendously long standing ovation.

Finally, Jonathan spoke, "Never Fear, Smith is Here!" He spoke on many subjects - life, love, pursuit of happiness, Hollywood, 'Lost in Space' and his fondness for the Australian people. His voice had the most marvellous clarity and richness. Those people, who were in the audience, were indeed very lucky Jonathan could speak about all manner of subjects in the most beautiful and captivating manner. His pyrotechnics of speech and endless wit and humour, had his audience enthralled, thrilled and charmed.

One of the highlights of Jonathan's show, was the repartee and banter between his character of Dr Zachary Smith and the Robot - performed for the first time in the World since 1968 on the set of 'LOST IN SPACE' Every line of dialogue, between these two icons, was hilariously side splitting If you were to close your eyes and listen, you would swear you were hearing an episode of 'LOST IN SPACE'.

Another highlight of the show, was the question and answer segment which was professionally conducted by the hostesses, where the audience generated inquiries were very intelligent and polite. This segment was informative and very comical, full of waggery. Jonathan was equal to the task of all questions received.

Another of the best elements of the show, certainly for me, was the young Australian presentation, where three young Australians, Sarah (13yrs), Mark (11 yrs), and Andrew (8 yrs) Newport, on individual nights, proudly marched through the audience, on cue, (to the sound of a John Williams' 'Star Wars' march) to the stage and in the presence of Mr Harris, the children boldly said,
"Ladies and Gentlemen, On behalf of the people of Australia, I would like to present this special plague to Jonathan Harris to commemorate his contribution to almost thirty years of quality television in portraying one of the best known characters of all time. Dr Zachary Smith will stay in our hearts and minds for many generations to come and we thank you very much for coming to see us in Australia Sydney March 1994."

With these beautiful children balancing the heart strings of the audience and witnessing the pinnacle performance of a true Hollywood legend, Jonathan gave his sincere Thankyous and with that the entire audience once again rose to their feet, to give our star a second thunderous standing ovation.

I felt very gratified and happy. What a reception! and that was only the first part of the show! After a fifteen minute break, Jonathan was back on stage and the audience of over eight hundred people per night lined up to meet the man of the moment. For these people, Jonathan autographed thousands of items including books, T-Shirts, pictures, posters, Robots, programmes and other personal effects.

Certainly Jonathan's shows were good value for money. They started at 8pm and continued until just before midnight each night. the accolades and congratulations flooded the Regent Hotel. Faxes, letters and phone calls poured in. (It was public knowledge that Jonathan was staying at the Regent Hotels in Sydney and Melbourne.) There was never a shortage of people wanting to meet Jonathan in the Hotel lobby wanting to receive an autograph. Some were lucky but some were not so fortunate. Jonathan was staying in Suite No. 2810 (a great secret until now!) a huge and beautiful room, overlooking the Opera House, which Jonathan simply adored looking at.

This Photo Courtesy Of ED Bowkley
with Jonathan Harris discussing
The Toy Model

He was very happy here in Sydney. In fact, every morning Jonathan found time to walk outside the hotel and stroll along Circular Quay to relax at a public seat (underneath his favourite tree) and gaze at Sydney Harbour and his favourite sight, the Sydney Opera House. He enjoyed these quiet moments watching the locals and also the many tourists taking in the sights of Sydney.

Jonathan was very well recognised and didn't mind when people asked to take his photograph - in fact it became a regular event each morning. There was one hilarious moment when a young Japanese girl approached Jonathan with her camera and said in broken
English, "Take picture... Yes - " To which Jonathan replied, "Yes, of course my dear." With that, she dropped the camera in Jonathan's lap and walked off to her group of friends, posed and said, "O.K.... You take now!" - Jonathan hooted like an owl - Never before had this happened to him! He laughed and laughed. The Japanese tourists had the blankest looks on Jonathan arrived in Sydney on March 5th 1994 and stayed for sixteen days. As the organisers of his tour, Sally and I spent every day with Jonathan and I must say it was quite a learning experience. He is a very well read man with the most incredible memory for people, places and events, so intelligent and very forthright in his opinions. He talked freely about Madonna, Michael Jackson and his sister, Latoya, President Clinton and many other prominent figures of the day.
Was Jonathan easy to get along with- - Oh Yes! - a big lovable pussy cat is what he really is .... but if you do something wrong by him... watch out! He'll never speak to you again... and there's a few on his list, that's for sure!

For the length of time he stayed here, he charmed everyone he met, from Derryn Hinch to Andrew Denton, from the Opera House manager to the cleaners at the Regent. As for us, Jonathan was pleased to answer all questions on any subject. One question, I particularly wanted to know... What is Jonathan Harris' real name - Are you ready... It can now be revealed... 'Jonathan Charasuchin' - how about that!
He enjoyed the Australian cuisine and his favourite drink is Tanqueray Gin with Red Dubonnet. Jonathan calls it 'Mother's milk!' He enjoyed eating at the Regent's first class restaurant 'Kables' and also enjoyed 'The Waterfront Restaurant' at Campbell's Cove, and in Jonathan's own words, "They know how to cook a 'nice piece of fish'!" Even though he is very careful about his diet, Jonathan was also very partial to the potato wedges which they serve to perfection at the Regent!

One of the greatest thrills for Jonathan whilst here, was to sing on stage at the Sydney Opera House. A dream fulfilled. You see for Jonathan, the Sydney Opera House is the seventh wonder of the world and he had yearned for the chance to see it for himself. With the help of our advertising agents - Little and Associates, in particular David Hislop, (General Manager - Entertainment Division.) we were given a personally guided tour of the Opera House in front and behind the scenes, an inspection of the technical aspects of the production department and a visit to the props department.
We were also fortunate enough to be invited to the final Dress Rehearsal for the opening of the Australian Ballet.

In a moment of sheer bliss for Jonathan, we were allowed to walk on to the stage where Dame Joan Sutherland gave her farewell performance where Jonathan sang the notes of the musical scales! We then visited the Concert theatre where the orchestra had been rehearsing but had taken a break for lunch. Jonathan promptly took to the stage and sang a
'dirty ditty' .... That's Jonathan!

From there, David took us to the Opera Centre in Surrey Hills, where all the costumes, hats and wigs are made and stored. Jonathan was able to see and touch all of the Great Dame Joan Sutherland's costumes, kept there under lock and key. If you were unaware before now, Dame Joan is Jonathan's favourite opera singer of all time.

The Opera House is the seventh wonder of the world and he had yearned for the chance to see it for himself. With the help of our advertising agents - Little and Associates, in particular David Hislop, (General Manager - Entertainment Division.) we were given a personally guided tour of the Opera House in front and behind the scenes, an inspection of the technical aspects of the production department and a visit to the props department.

We were also fortunate enough to be invited to the final Dress Rehearsal for the opening of the Australian Ballet.

In a moment of sheer bliss for Jonathan, we were allowed to walk on to the stage where Dame Joan Sutherland gave her farewell performance where Jonathan sang the notes of the musical scales! We then visited the Concert theatre where the orchestra had been rehearsing but had taken a break for lunch. Jonathan promptly took to the stage and sang a 'dirty ditty' .... That's Jonathan!

From there, David took us to the Opera Centre in Surrey Hills, where all the costumes, hats and wigs are made and stored. Jonathan was able to see and touch all of the Great Dame Joan Sutherland's costumes, kept there under lock and key. If you were unaware before now, Dame Joan is Jonathan's favourite opera singer of all time.

It was a truly memorable experience for Jonathan! ! !
Sally and I took Jonathan sightseeing all around Sydney - and yes we showed him Botany Bay - the famous landing place of Captain James Cook and also a fabled recreated area in Hollywood for Jonathan's first movie of the same name, made in 1953. Jonathan enjoyed his sightseeing, so we drove him all throughout the Eastern Suburbs, including Rose Bay, Vaucluse and Bondi Beach, then back to Sydney, Glebe, Pyrmont and Darling Harbour. We even showed him Kings Cross, by day and by night! By far the best views of Sydney were seen from the deck of the famous 'Bounty'. A tall sailing ship, recreated for the Mel Gibson movie of the same name. This historic occasion was held on Saturday 12th March, when we were accompanied by about a hundred members of the LISA fan club. Nowhere else in the world, had Jonathan conceded to sail the seas with fans of 'Lost in Space' Quite a coup for our club! - and it happened right here on Sydney Harbour. (There is a review of the 'Bounty' cruise elsewhere in this bumper issue.)

NSW wasn't the only state in Australia that Jonathan visited. We flew to Victoria, specifically to appear on television productions 'Hey Hey, It's Saturday' with Daryl Somers and 'Good Morning Australia' with Bert Newton. He loved every minute of both shows, especially 'Hey Hey'. Whilst in Melbourne, Festival Records and Fox Video arranged a Midday signing at 'Virgin Video store' in the heart of Melbourne.

When we arrived, we couldn't believe our eyes! The awaiting crowd was lined up from inside the store and along the pavement for two blocks down the street. Incredible!

We were mobbed as soon as the limousine pulled up outside the store. With the awaiting security we were escorted inside, while the seven hundred plus crowd, pushed, cheered and applauded Jonathan's arrival. While Jonathan settled down in the 'ready room' the Robot's arrival caused another commotion - he was assembled and rolled into position next to the autograph table, to the great applause of the crowd. Soon afterwards, Jonathan made his entrance to the signing area where he commenced autographing pictures and video covers. We have never seen so many camera flashes! Hundreds of photographs must have been taken that day. It took hours but Jonathan signed everyone's purchases. The manager of the store stated that it was the biggest lunchtime crowd, the store has ever seen in it's history. Business was good, everyone was pleased.

While in Melbourne, we stayed on the media trail - it was hard work. Jonathan was totally exhausted every day (so were we) but Jonathan's professionalism and great discipline was immense. He's a real 'trooper' Sally and I escorted Jonathan everywhere and let me tell you, there was not one moment, when he was upset, angry or hard to get along with. To the contrary, he behaved as a true gentleman. I will say this - that if Jonathan Harris is your friend - you have a friend for life!

One of the latest pictures of
Jonathan Harris at a Convention in USA

Towards the end of the tour, we were all feeling very happy. was a time of great accomplishment. We took over the airwaves, became the hottest act in town and every show was faultless. The mail was still pouring in and Jonathan replied to each and every accolade. Many Australian celebrities and politicians saw Jonathan's show. In fact, even a famous Hollywood Director came to see him perform - Alex Proyas (Director of 'The Crow' starring Brandon Lee.)

After Jonathan's last show, we said goodbye and Thank you to our wonderful staff - Jonathan thanked everyone personally - Nobody was left out. Afterwards - at tam - we dined at 'City Extra' at Circular Quay. Boy did we turn heads! During our meal, Jonathan said,
"Glenny, let me tell you quite honestly, I have been spoilt for life. No audience in the world will ever match up to the warmth of the Australian audiences. The ovations, I will never forget, as long as I live!"

Looking back, Thank God I had the foresight to capture the show on video. A four camera video team covered the show, with great results. It is great to look back and see the magic of the entire performance.

As Jonathan's time in Australia came to a close, he went shopping at 'Percy Marks'
Jewellers to buy his wife some Australian Opal earrings. There was no need for him to buy any souvenirs, as many people had given these to him as gifts. He was overwhelmed by the kindness shown to him.

Impending commitments, back in the States were beckoning Jonathan. Immediately upon his arrival back home, he was booked to voice record for the 'Flint National Orchestra' and then depart on a 54 day sea cruise holiday on board the M.V. Americana, en route to Savannah, Miami, Brazil, Buenos Aires, Rio and Uruguay.

Then after that to immediately start voice recording in his present two animated television serials - 'Arch Angels' and 'Problem Child' now in production. As you can see Jonathan is a busy man, though he took time out to visit Australia, which he now considers to be one of the peaks in his long and illustrious career. The question now, in everyone's minds is - Will the 'Lost in Space' motion picture be made - Well, things look good now that Ted Turner (owner of MGM and New Line Cinema) Has bought in to the project. Will Jonathan be in the Movie - - I must have asked him at least a dozen times about the possibility. His only public answer is ..... We shall See ....

At the end of the tour, after sixteen wonderful days, we drove Jonathan to the airport, checked in his luggage and the time had come for our Goodbyes.

I thanked him very much for making the long trip and from all Australians - Thank you for the memories. I embraced him and after a long hug, the dear sweet man was in tears - Sally and I will also admit that we were in tears. A friend of ours, who works in Qantas customer relations, escorted Jonathan through customs and accompanied him to the First Class lounge until it was time to board the plane for his journey home.