Sunday, February 1, 2009

February 01: Birth of a Mumy

On this day in 1954, actor/musician Bill Mumy was born in San Gabriel, California.
An actor since childhood, fans of classic TV will recognize Mumy as Will Robinson from the 1965-1968 sci-fi series Lost in Space. But years before he "traveled into space," Mumy was already a veteran actor making appearances on such shows as Dennis the Menace, Alfred Hitchcock Presents, and Dr. Kildaire.
Fans of the original The Twilight Zone, know him for his character of Anthony Fremont in the episode "It's a Good Life." (Look for a nod to Anthony Fremont the next time you enter the Tower of Terror attraction.) Mumy also appeared in the Twilight episodes "In Praise of Pip" and "Long Distance Call."
His connection with Disney began with appearances on the Disneyland TV series. In 1962 he played Petey Loomis in the 2-part "Sammy, the Way-Out Seal." Two years later he portrayed Freddy Gray in the episodes "For the Love of Willadean: Treasure in the Haunted House" and "For the Love of Willadean: A Taste of Melon."
Mumy also appeared in Disney's 1969 comedy feature Rascal, playing young teen Sterling North.
Fast forward to the year 2000 which found Mumy supplying the voice of Eon for Disney's animated Buzz Lightyear of Star Command.
An accomplished musician, Mumy even wrote music for Disney's Adventures in Wonderland.
(He's recorded & written with America, toured with Shaun Cassidy, worked with Rick Springfiled, and has released CDs of his own music.)
You may also recognize Mumy from countless voice-overs; he's narrated over 50 episode of the Arts & Entertainment Channel's Biography series.

Click HERE for more February 01 Disney history.

No comments: