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Jonathan Harris
Brown-grey haired, green-eyed, 5' 11" tall actor born in New York City, N.Y. His parents emigrated to the United States from Russia. A graduate of Fordham University, he first decided to study pharmacy. Switching to acting, he joined the Millpond Playhouse in Roslyn Long Island - a stock company run by producer/writer/director Richard Brooks. He made his stage debut in 'Yes, My Darling Daughter' and later joined a stock company headed by Morton De Costa of 'The Music Man' fame in Dayton, Ohio. In his touring days Jonathan appeared in over 125 plays in various cities. In 1942 Gilbert Miller produced 'The Heart Of The City' on Broadway and cast him in a featured part. He followed with 'Right Next To Broadway'. During World War II he joined the U.S.O. heading for the South Pacific to perform in such comedies as 'Petticoat Fever' and 'Personal Appearance'. Following the war he returned to Broadway with Marlon Brando and Paul Muni in Ben Hecht's 'A Flag is Born'. He later appeared in such diverse productions as 'The Madwoman Of Challiot', 'The Man Who Corrupted Hadleyburg', 'The Grass Harp' and the musical 'Hazel Flagg'. His last Broadway performance was in 'The Teahouse Of The August Moon' with David Wayne and John Forsythe in the role of the eccentric army psychiatrist for which he received high praise.
Making his film debut in 'Botany Bay' as highwayman Thomas Oakley opposite Alan Ladd and James Mason. He appeared in numerous live television dramas before landing the role of Bradford Webster in 'The Third Man' series opposite his good friend Michael Rennie. He continued with the role of harassed hotel manager Mr. Phillips in 'The Bill Dana Show' before being cast in his most famous role - Dr. Zachary Smith in the cult classic 'Lost In Space' series. Throughout the 1970s he appeared in occasional guest roles, preferring to do voice-over work in such animated series as 'The Three Musketeers' and 'My Favorite Martians'. He also appeared in over 180 television commercials, speaking for such diverse products as Korean Airlines and Cleaner Bowl to The House Of Pancakes. He also worked with the Flint Symphony Orchestra, narrating 'Free At Last' and 'Peter And The Wolf'.
A popular speaker at sci-fi conventions, he travelled to Australia in 1994 for a one man show with his Lost In Space sidekick The Robot. He and wife Gertrude had a son named Richard. Jonathan particularly enjoyed opera, gardening and cooking.
Jonathan passed away on 3rd November 2002, just a few days before his birthday. Many of his Irwin Allen friends attended his memorial service.
Biography courtesy of T. Douglas