My TV Western Fantasies Came True! LOST IN SPACE star Bill Mumy was a TV Cowboy! Plus LSD out west!

Рет қаралды 16,459

2 жыл бұрын

While working on LANCER, Bill Mumy observed James Stacy’s LSD adventure! That’s just one of many memories the actor, maybe best known for his role as Will Robinson on the popular series LOST IN SPACE, shares in a conversation with Rob Word. Bill talks about both the westerns he loved and a few he made. His memories may surprise you.
Young Billy Mumy grew up loving TV westerns and wanted to make them. One of his favorite shows growing up was Disney’s ZORRO starring Guy Williams. While dressed as swashbuckling Zorro, the youngster broke his leg and was stuck in bed at home watching lots and lots of westerns on TV. Just a few years later, the ten-year-old actor was co-starring with the very same Guy Williams on "Lost in Space." Some dreams do come true! Mumy's acting mentor, Jonathan Harris, played the not-so-evil Dr. Smith on the popular series. There was even an outer space western episode.
Mumy appeared on many of the classic westerns, including WAGON TRAIN, THE VIRGINIAN, HAVE GUN, WILL TRAVEL, EMPIRE, WIDE COUNTRY and LANCER.
In Quentin Tarantino’s Academy Award winning movie, ONCE UPON A TIME IN HOLLYWOOD, a major portion of the story revolves around Rick Dalton’s (Leonardo DiCaprio) involvement in the western series LANCER. Not a fictional series but real, and one of the best westerns of the late 1960s. What was it really like on the LANCER set? Actor Bill Mumy, following up his LOST IN SPACE role with an interesting part on LANCER was there! LANCER star, the talented and charismatic James Stacy, was kind of a wild man. Mumy remembers observing Stacy's LSD adventure. Hey, it was the sixties!
Besides starring in LOST AND SPACE (1965-1968) and the TV westerns mentioned above, Bill has had iconic roles on TWILIGHT ZONE, was a series regular on BABYLON 5 (1994-1998) portraying "Lennier" and even appeared in the reboot of LOST IN SPACE (2018-2019) as "Dr. Zachary Smith!" In addition to Mumy’s many acting credits, his accomplishments in music are far reaching. While working on THE VIRGINIAN, actor/singer Randy Boone taught him some guitar solos. Mumy took to music immediately and has become an award winning singer/songwriter and recording artist, adept at a multitude of musical instruments, including mandolin, banjo, guitar, harmonica and keyboards. He has composed 100s of songs for television and has released dozens of albums and CDs. As well as music and acting, Mumy’s voice work in animation and commercials keeps him constantly busy.
This interview took place at the Autry Museum as part of a tribute to child actors in westerns, September 2018.

Пікірлер: 139

@oldschoolmuscle4436 2 жыл бұрын

I never get tired of listening to Bill Mumy reminisce. Always so well spoken and complimentary towards his fellow actors.

@tablature6121 2 жыл бұрын

Great timing in airing this, Rob. In 2 days, February 1st, Mumy will turn 68. Happy Birthday, Billy Mumy, and thanks for all the wonderful memories of a highly successful acting career. And thank you, Rob, for this interview. More Mumy, please.

@davepalmerton2429 2 жыл бұрын

Seeing Billy brought back so many great memories from that era. What a great time for tv, the movies, and just life in general. Thanks for bringing those back, Rob.

@IanThaddiam 2 жыл бұрын

What a slice of nostalgia to see all those amazing shows we grew up with. And Billy was the superstar kid. What a great catalogue of film memories you're creating, Rob. Indispensable.

@AWordonWesterns 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks, Ian. It's a fun hobby!

@jimd8008 2 жыл бұрын

Grew up with Bill. Saw almost everything he was in and was very pleased with his portrayal in Babylon 5

@kingskountry1246 2 жыл бұрын

Okay, Rob, we know that if this lasted another couple of hours, it would still be too short. Billy was such a terrific and delightful guest.

@Rangersly 2 жыл бұрын

Wonderful to hear Billy Mumy talk about his experiences in tv. I especially liked when he told how he admired the other child actors of his era. It made me realize how Hollywood flourished with so many good child actors in those days, with shows like Spin & Marty, The Mouseketeers, the Rifleman, Laramie, etc.

@AWordonWesterns 2 жыл бұрын

Right you are, Ranger. There were many talented young actors during television's formative years. I'm glad we've been able to feature so many of them as guests. Thanks.

@kingskountry1246 2 жыл бұрын

@@AWordonWesterns I know it's too late to have him as a guest but no one has mentioned Bobby Diamond of Fury.

@hollywoodmediaprofessional3282 2 жыл бұрын

Terrific guest. He's a fine actor and storyteller, too.

@tonyfletcher2541 2 жыл бұрын

What a great interview. Wish it were longer! Billy Mumy has done so many things. I grew up watching him, Johnny Crawford and Ron Howard. What a time they had working with so many great actors. Thank you for sharing this!

@PAPITO_49 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for that interview. I can relate to all those child actors, it was a great time in TV land.

@AWordonWesterns 2 жыл бұрын

It sure was, Russ. Thanks.

@efhs1970 2 жыл бұрын

Rob, Billy is just one of your many guests that always delivers a great interview! Thanks for sharing!💫

@galencox4278 2 жыл бұрын

Didn't know Billy was in so many westerns. No matter what he was in, he was great. Loved him in the Twilight Zone.

@arlineabdalian8974 2 жыл бұрын

Many thanks, Rob, for this great interview. Mumy is a fine actor and raconteur. Many thanks again!

@AWordonWesterns 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks, Arline. He sure is!

@joansmith1195 2 жыл бұрын

Bill Mumy scared me when he played the evil psychic kid on the Twilight Zone.He was great in everything that he did. Thank you for your as usual great interview. I look forward to Sunday mornings to watch your channel and see who is on. Thank You.

@midnightcaller200 2 жыл бұрын

`I just saw that episode, on the Twilight Zone about a week or so ago

@AWordonWesterns 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks, Joan. More goodies coming Sunday!

@williambilyeu9801 2 жыл бұрын

Billy Mumy did three "Twilight Zone" episodes that I remember. My favorite was the one where he talked to his dead grandmother on the toy telephone, plus he played the son of Jack Klugman in another episode.

@jimross7648 2 жыл бұрын

As always a great episode. Billy Mumy is an engaging guest and can tell a story.

@waynegilchrist1596 2 жыл бұрын

I always enjoy Billy Mumy, his stories are so great because he lived the life every kid wanted to. He has a knack for relating his experiences too. I'm really inclined to agree with him about Johnny Crawford basically being a real rare gift in his role on the, "Rifleman" and his other roles as a very talented musician should not be forgotten either. I sure hope they find some breakthroughs in alzimers , it's just such a hard thing to watch friends and love ones fade away from us in that manner.

@devilsden2283 2 жыл бұрын

Billy was so much an extension of my youth when growing up & watching T.V. as it seemed he was on "everything", it was as if he was a childhood friend...always thought his roles on Twilight Zone were scary back in the day....nice interview Rob!

@tammydear8057 2 жыл бұрын

This was certainly a joy. Thank you and God bless 🙏🏻🕊️

@AWordonWesterns 2 жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it, Tammy Dear

@MsBenlane 2 жыл бұрын

good story teller. seems a lot of times the character actors are better interviews than the stars

@richb313 2 жыл бұрын

Great interview Rob Billy Mumy was in almost everything during those years of the late 50's through early to mid 60's unfortunately the turmoil of the 70's ended the careers of hundreds of talented actors.

@wiseguymaybe 2 жыл бұрын

Bill is a year older than I am, and all those memories he brings up brings back my own childhood memories, including Zoro and The Adventrures Of Superman with George Reeves. I hate to say this but I never watched Spin And Marty and really missed out as a kid as I just resently watched it on Disney plus. However I do remember another Tim Considine Mickey Mouse Club Series with Tommy Kirk , Hardy Boys The Mystery Of The Applegate Treasure. I couldn't wait to get home and watch each episode. Any way thank you so much for the memories Rob and to Bill Mumy. Every interview I have seen Bill in has always been interesting, but I really enjoyed this so much.

@frankdodgee 2 жыл бұрын

Gotta say that Rob word is the absolute best interviewer. Quick witted, keeps the interview rolling along with photos, videos and commentary. No matter who the guest I am quickly mesmerized.

@AWordonWesterns 2 жыл бұрын

You're makin' my day, June. Thanks!

@NormanLedoyen 2 жыл бұрын

Bring him back Rob. I want more of him and his stories of growing up in and on the TV.

@jimconnole6328 2 жыл бұрын

What a really great episode. Bill Mumy was always one of my favorites as a kid (I think I am a year or two older) and I'd watch a lot of shows just because he, and a few others my age, were in them. Thanks so much Rob!

@wesmcgee1648 2 жыл бұрын

Grew up watching Billy. He's got a couple years on me but I feel like we grew up together. My dad was also a cattle rancher so, like Billy, I was able to play cowboys on real horses. Great show!

@johnwesley8327 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks, Rob for another fine trip down memory road. I remember watching "Lost in Space" when I was a kid and "Fury" with Bobby Diamond and Peter Graves. All were great actors and fine shows for a kid to grow up with. Thanks again for all you do!

@AWordonWesterns 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks, John

@jaketanner20001 2 жыл бұрын

Always brings back great memories with all your guests. I am 70 years old so I grew up with a wild range of the old Westerns. Also all the other shows on TV and the movies.

@ronkemperful 2 жыл бұрын

Great show! When I was growing up, I identified with the characters he played, especially the one in Lost in Space. For many hours I imagined flying through space on that spaceship 🚀.

@robyntattersall236 2 жыл бұрын

Looking forward to watching this interview … the child actors always bring a different perspective and Bill has so many other talents

@AWordonWesterns 2 жыл бұрын

He sure is multi-talented, Robyn. Thanks again.

@elizabethbeckman1947 2 жыл бұрын

Wonderful to revisit. Thank you for sharing!

@longjohnsilver5179 2 жыл бұрын

If I see he is in an old series, I will watch it just to see him. Great actor and a classy guy.

@richelliott9320 2 жыл бұрын

Bill Mumy is so full of great stories I could listen for hours

@thesixshooter6506 2 жыл бұрын

This was delightful! Love westerns and Bill Mumy as well... thanks for this. Brought back many memories. Mr. Mumy was certainly correct when he called Johnny Crawford one of the finest child actors the industry has ever seen. I couldn't agree more! R.i.P. Johnny Crawford.

@julieackles7297 2 жыл бұрын

I think Bill is a fantastic guest to have on any interview show. He is very knowledgeable since working in different genres and even studios. He has worked with many actors and actresses. i love listening to his positive comments about much of his work as an actor.

@nicoletanis3703 2 жыл бұрын

Very good Rob, it was a pleasure to hear the great Hollywood star Bill Mumy telling us his story as a TV Cowboy.

@ginnywalker184 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing another great interview with us. I love hearing the stories each one has about their memories while filming and loved hearing Bill Mumy recall his experiences with others. It's good to see these actors again.

@AWordonWesterns 2 жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it!

@johnholliday5874 2 жыл бұрын

Bill is always a great interview, so many stories, and so many of the shows that we both grew up with.

@SnowflakeHenri 2 жыл бұрын

I loved Lost in Space.

@thedoxinator3934 2 жыл бұрын

😎 Rob, Bill was a great guest on this throwback show..thank you 👍

@alfredodoardi2717 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the post- Love hearing bill talk. He reminds me of my neighbor. He does. On two levels. He reminds me of my neighbor, and he's so naturally interesting, and personable, like the guy next door.

@michaelwyckoff7593 2 жыл бұрын

I'm probably one of the biggest TV western show fans around. I grew up watching them all. The Lone Ranger to Gunsmoke and all of the ones that were popular on the 50/60 /70/80 time periods. I loved them all.

@AWordonWesterns 2 жыл бұрын

Me, too, Michael!

@nealhathaway2004 2 жыл бұрын

Rascal, I wanted to catch a raccoon and make it my pet. We didn't have many raccoons in west Texas, but we had a lot of possums. So i caught one of them instead. He was ok, always smiling at me. Love your work. We kinda grew up together.

@robyntattersall236 2 жыл бұрын

Just finished watching this … a gem of a guest and a great story teller

@AWordonWesterns 2 жыл бұрын

He sure is! Thanks, Robyn

@hiramnoone 2 жыл бұрын

They're all great here, but Bill Mumy has some of the best stories, and tells them so well that he has to be one of your more popular guests. His mentioning that tragic near miss of his fortuitous choice of *not* doing a stunt brings to mind Jimmy Cagney in one of his very early gangster films thinking better of not standing in a window where a so called expert was to fire a burst of real bullets just below that window with a Tommy gun, missing him by a healthy, he was assured, six inches or so. Well, there is a way to get that shot with zero danger using camera tricks, but the director thought that Cagney being actually in the shot would get a better reaction from the actor. And Cagney almost did it, but as it came closer to time to do the stunt, having a creeping bad feeling about it, decided to leave it to the camera trick method instead. And, while at first the scene seemed to go well, with all those bullets hitting just where they should... a closer look revealed just one errant bullet hole in the wall *precisely* behind where Cagney woulda been standing. And that, folks, woulda meant our all having a slightly different take (with some other actor in those subsequent classic WB gangster flicks) on our recollection of movie history.

@williambilyeu9801 2 жыл бұрын

Wish that Alec Baldwin had known that trick. There is a camera angle that would do that with no danger to anyone.

@OdeeOz 2 жыл бұрын

*Aww gee willickers, RW. Films are only obscure, to those who never saw them. That'd be most anyone younger than Rob and me. Thanks for bringing them out of obscurity with these wonderful interviews. Thanks for keeping it Western too, by not mentioning his current SciFi series, **_Space Command._** Which is produced and direct by childhood friend of his, & **_Twilight Zone_** specialist, Marc Scott Zicree.* 💯x🙏👍

@AWordonWesterns 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks, OD. That's why we call it A WORD ON WESTERNS. We try and keep it focused on western films and TV and did 5 interviews with Child Actors that day in our allotted 2 hours!

@carolynrussell774 Жыл бұрын

I sure did enjoy listening Bill Mumy talk about his stories of his time as a child actor & all the different things that he played in, really liked Lost in Space, thanks Rob Word...

@havitcold Ай бұрын

Thank you for this interview! Lost in Space and all the TV shows and movies stars you interview I grew up with. Billy is one year older than me so I grew up living as a young boy through Billy’s TV shows! Love it!

@bladestar8727 2 жыл бұрын

Watched many interviews with Bill Mumy and he is a delightful man. I'm old enough, 64, that I watched Lost in Space when it was on. I still have, complete, a model kit of Lost in Space with Bill throwing a rock, the girls running, and everyone else, still unbroken after all these decades!

@AWordonWesterns 2 жыл бұрын

Cool! Sounds like you've got a real treasure, Blade.

@erlinfrance9817 2 жыл бұрын

Rob....What a terrific interview with Billy Mumy..a wonderful trip down memory lane.... You are the best!

@AWordonWesterns 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks, Erlin.

@briangoldy8784 2 жыл бұрын

Billy Mumy was a Real treat Rob,,,,,,Would like to hear some Lost in Space, Stage stories,,,,,,But Westerns ... Our genre........Thanks. Rob Word.

@AceMoonshot 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for this. Bill is such a treat to listen to. He is funny and informative.

@seymourwrasse3321 2 жыл бұрын

I wouldn't trade growing up in the 60's for anything

@pjoe1950 2 жыл бұрын

Another stroll down memory lane. I loved it and always come back for more.

@AWordonWesterns 2 жыл бұрын

thanks, steve

@ge45gecalled39 2 жыл бұрын

another greet show and guest, thanks Rob Word.

@richardrosenthal9552 2 жыл бұрын

Great show Rob. Listening to Billy Mumy talk about all those shows he was in or watched I had a rush of memories of those shows,, watching them as a kid on a Saturday morning. I was a great fan of Lost in Space. I watched it every time it was on. As Billy talked I found myself remembering each show and the actors he talked about. Quitter experience for me. Thanks for that.

@mjemigh3304 2 жыл бұрын

I'm still waiting for a follow-up to "Fish Heads." Thanks for another great interview, Rob!

@chuckcollins 2 жыл бұрын

With so many sad and tragic child star stories, it's wonderful to know that Billy Mumy was able to persevere and come out on top. His children Seth and Liliana have followed in his footsteps and had success as child actors as well. One of Billy's most recent roles was in the recent Netflix series, "Lost in Space" where he played a character named Dr. Zachary Smith.

@AWordonWesterns 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks, chuck. It is amazing that he's "the new Dr. Smith."

@waynewilson2365 2 жыл бұрын

Great interview but much too short. Please have Billy back for another visit. I watched many of the episodes he appeared in. It was great seeing a young actor my age in so many fantastic series.

@seymourwrasse3321 2 жыл бұрын

we were glue to the tv when shows like this came on, shows about space and western shows, Sunday was Ed Sullivan, if we heard Topo Gigio was on, my sister and I got to stay up a few minutes longer to watch him

@philipnordin1661 2 жыл бұрын

Another great interview Rob, Lost in Space was a favorite as a kid.

@douglasthompson9482 2 жыл бұрын

Another winner....thank you Rob.

@AWordonWesterns 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you, Doug

@marcosaraiva9205 2 жыл бұрын

Great interview has always! Very refreshing Bill Mumy is a tv persona by himself! Keep up entertaining us with the living gems of a great era of tv! Many thanks

@AWordonWesterns 2 жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it, Marco. Thanks.

@crystalheart9 Жыл бұрын

Thank you for this. I could listen to Billy's stories for hours.💖

@johnnyllooddte3415 2 жыл бұрын

what a great man

@mariareale9040 2 жыл бұрын

Just love watching your videos. So entertaining and they brings back so many wonderful memories. THANK YOU

@AWordonWesterns 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you, Maria.

@rosezingleman5007 2 жыл бұрын

I think Billy was my first crush. I saw him across the way when I was on one of the lots for a walk on. ~sigh~ He was a dreamy nine year old to this five year old. Just saw him on Rockford Files last week. We were born in the same hospital as a matter of fact. Good to see him again.

@tomsmith5216 2 жыл бұрын

Guy Madison as Zorro, was the reason I eventually took up fencing. Never competed other than club tournaments, but I never stopped trying to make a "Z" on an opponent! Still fencing today at 76. :)

@williambilyeu9801 2 жыл бұрын

Guy Williams.

@ThornAndel 2 жыл бұрын

Bill is just a few months older than myself and way back then in central Florida I thought he was the luckest kid in the world.

@jowalnut8822 2 жыл бұрын

Bill mummy is always interesting to hear and yeah guy williams was my hero too. Zorro forever.

@joeburns4294 2 жыл бұрын

Always learn a lot about these guys I didn’t know. Thanks Rob!

@AWordonWesterns 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks, Joe

@sammychicken4290 2 жыл бұрын

I really enjoyed this episode Rob. Thankyou & regards from Adelaide, South Australia 🇦🇺.

@AWordonWesterns 2 жыл бұрын

Always glad you enjoy them, sammy. Thanks!

@slimsherman5818 2 жыл бұрын

Rob, Great interview. Always thought Mumy was quite an actor, had Ron Howard not been available he probably could've played the role of Opie. Thank you so much for having this channel up.

@swimasfastasyoucan 2 жыл бұрын

Loved that

@marksheffer625 2 жыл бұрын

Very cool Rob always amazed by the connections between different actors and different movies . I still watch the cowboys credits until the very end waiting for John Wayne to save the day

@195511SM 2 жыл бұрын

I think Bill & I are just about the same age. Of course I remember watching the premiere episode of 'Lost In Space'......but in recent years I began watching a lot of the 'vintage programming' channels. Seeing him show up in 'The Jack Benny Show'....or old episodes of 'The Fugitive', etc. I bet he holds the record for being the hardest working kid in Hollywood. Or the most prolific.

@ryancarroll3961 2 жыл бұрын

As usual Very informative interview Thanks so much Rob

@AWordonWesterns 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks, Ryan

@mistergrandpasbakery9941 2 жыл бұрын

Billy did his best work in Twilight Zone! 👏

@leonardcaplan5601 2 жыл бұрын

Another fantastic interview! Bill Mumy has seen and done so much. I wonder if there's an autobiography of his time as a child actor.

@AWordonWesterns 2 жыл бұрын

Don't know about an autobiography, Leo, but there sure should be one!

@leonardcaplan5601 2 жыл бұрын

@@AWordonWesterns I agree!!

@PamK36 8 ай бұрын

He does have a book out now. I've seen it on Amazon.

@leonardcaplan5601 8 ай бұрын

Thanks for telling me that! @@PamK36

@777poco 2 жыл бұрын

I remember most of the shows that were talked about

@smartphone1719 2 жыл бұрын

Great interview 👍 very entertaining stories from that time. 👏 For me growing up from those times. The TV and films of that eara are some of the best. Bill plays some good music 🎶 as well I have read.

@AWordonWesterns 2 жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks.

@jasonjoyner6940 2 жыл бұрын

Excellent interview Mr. Word! I love old westerns and Grow up watching lost in space! Thanks for sharing

@AWordonWesterns 2 жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it

@emilyrandall9968 2 жыл бұрын

I only know you in Lost in Space and will search for your western episodes

@rodneymarsden3003 2 жыл бұрын

I would love to get seasons of Zorro.

@jbthor9032 2 жыл бұрын

The one TV show Billy stared in was the Twilight Zone where Billy would send people away. 👍👍👍🤣

@AWordonWesterns 2 жыл бұрын

Right to the cornfield!

@christopherstilley7756 2 жыл бұрын

I stopped by for the hallucinogens and westerns.. :)

@AWordonWesterns 2 жыл бұрын

Quite a trip, Chris!

@pattycake9183 2 жыл бұрын

Wagon Train is a great show.

@gregpolutanovich1774 3 ай бұрын

He was in Papillon ..would have liked to hear some Steve McQueen stories

@AH-yu2pi 2 жыл бұрын

🤠

@williambilyeu9801 2 жыл бұрын

Like Billy I was a fan of "Zorro" and "The Adventures of Superman" and have them on DVD. I remember Billy Mumy mostly from the episodes of "The Twilight Zone" that he did. I watched the first few episodes of "Lost in Space" but soon lost interest in the series. I read "Space Family Robinson" the comic book and wanted it to be more like that. I also have the DVD set of "Efago Baca" that he mentioned. It is a good short series like a miniseries. Great interview as usual, Rob. I want your opinion of "Deadwood" as I am trying to decide whether to buy the series.

@AWordonWesterns Жыл бұрын

DEADWOOD is an acquired taste, William. You may like it. I liked all the actors but did want to see a bit more action. Did you see my AWOW interview with Jim Beaver about his work on the series? He had a major role and told some funny stories.

@williambilyeu9801 Жыл бұрын

@@AWordonWesterns I enjoyed Jim Beaver on "Justified" and other shows. I am a little worried about the language on "Deadwood," although there was a lot of that on ",Justified" too. I asked about "Deadwood" twice before I got your response. Thanks.

@Labor_Jones 2 жыл бұрын

it's funny how when you are a kid that kids like Bill Mumy represent part of your (social clique) GANG.... even though when you get to school the GANG there doesn't see you anything like the imagined connection you (a kid) think you are part of. You still think of these 'childhood actors' are someone who is close to you.... 'Truely this is the Magic & Horror that can be falsely used.'

@dennydeckerful 2 жыл бұрын

That was great Rob. Was this cut down from a longer interview? If so, will you ever release the longer version of these? Thanks.

@AWordonWesterns 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks, denny. This was actually 3 episodes with Bill edited together to make this longer, full version. When we started posting on KZfaq over 8 years ago, most episodes were 3 or 4 minutes. I've been going back to the dailies and editing new longer shows. Bill also joined his friend Michael McGreevey during our conversation with Michael. I wanted to have them on stage together to talk about their (non-westerns at Disney). Here's the link.kzfaq.info/get/bejne/qcWAirp3zNPHeYE.html

@dennydeckerful 2 жыл бұрын

@@AWordonWesterns Thanks Rob, appreciate 🙏 you and your work.