Guy Williams (January 14, 1924 – April 30, 1989) was an American actor, best known for his leading roles in the television series Zorro and Lost in Space.
Born Armand Joseph Catalano, Williams was raised in New York City's East Harlem, the only child of an Italian-American family. He attended New York University and Columbia University, and served in the US Navy during World War II.
Williams began his acting career in the 1950s, appearing in numerous films and television shows. In 1957, he was cast as Don Diego de la Vega/Zorro in the ABC television series Zorro. He starred as the swashbuckling hero from 1957 to 1959, and the show was popular enough to spawn a feature film, 1958's The Sign of Zorro.
Williams also starred in the 1965-1968 CBS television series Lost in Space, playing the role of Professor John Robinson, the leader of a family of space travelers. Williams made guest appearances on many popular television shows of the 1960s, such as The Man from U.N.C.L.E., The Wild Wild West, The Time Tunnel, and Batman.
In the 1970s, Williams returned to his studies and earned a master's degree in psychology from California State University. He lectured at colleges and universities, and wrote a book about his experiences, Life is Too Short.
Williams had a deep love of music, and in the 1980s he released two albums of jazz standards. He also wrote and directed a play, The Great American Tragedy.
Williams died of a heart attack in 1989, at the age of 65. He was survived by his wife, Janice Cooper, and their children.
Throughout his career, Guy Williams was a beloved actor whose charm and wit won over the hearts of millions of fans. He will always be remembered for his iconic roles in Zorro and Lost in Space, and for his contributions to the entertainment industry.
Birthday
Jan. 14, 1924