Mark Goddard, best known for his role as Major Don West in the classic science fiction series Lost in Space, has passed away at the age of 87. His wife, Evelyn, announced his death on social media, revealing that he died on October 10th, several days after celebrating his 87th birthday.
Goddard had been hospitalized with pneumonia and was later transferred to a rehabilitation center with hopes of recovery. However, doctors discovered he was in the final stages of pulmonary fibrosis, a condition for which there is no cure. He received care at the Pat Roche Hospice Home and passed away peacefully.
In a heartfelt message, his wife, Evelyn, expressed her sorrow and gratitude for the time they spent together. She wrote, “I’ll never know how I deserved to spend 33 years with such a loving, gentle, handsome man who made me laugh so often.”
Goddard, originally born as Charles Harvey Goddard, entered the world on July 24, 1936, in Lowell, Massachusetts. He was the youngest of five siblings, and his upbringing was steeped in the Catholic faith. From an early age, Goddard displayed his talents, excelling not only as an actor but also as a gifted athlete. He led his high school baseball and basketball teams to the state championship finals, demonstrating his remarkable prowess both on and off the stage.
While basketball held a special allure for the young Goddard, he eventually found his calling in the world of acting. After completing high school, he embarked on his academic journey, initially enrolling at the College of the Holy Cross. However, his dreams soon led him to the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City. This marked the beginning of his formal training as an actor.
In 1959, only three weeks after setting foot in Hollywood, Mark Goddard’s talents caught the attention of industry insiders. He secured a role in the CBS Four Star Television series Johnny Ringo, where he portrayed Cully, the steadfast deputy to Don Durant’s character, Ringo. Notably, it was during this time that he decided to adopt the stage name “Mark Goddard,” a suggestion that came from his friend and mentor, Chuck Connors, famed for his role in The Rifleman.
Goddard’s early career was marked by guest appearances in various television series. He graced the screens of the era with roles in episodes of shows such as The DuPont Show with June Allyson, The Rebel, Zane Grey Theatre, and even Gunsmoke.
Lost in Space
Goddard’s claim to fame came with his portrayal of Major Don West in the beloved science fiction series Lost in Space. This iconic show aired from 1965 to 1968 and featured the Robinson family’s intergalactic escapades. While Major Don West initially shared a romantic connection with Judy Robinson, the series evolved, and his character’s dynamic with the enigmatic Dr. Zachary Smith took center stage. Below is the opening to Lost in Space:
Below is Goddard speaking about his experience on Lost in Space:
REELated:
Beyond his Lost in Space fame, Mark Goddard’s career was marked by a diverse range of roles. He guest-starred on popular series like The Fugitive, The Mod Squad, and The Fall Guy. In addition to his acting pursuits, Goddard also dabbled in the world of Hollywood representation.
His journey in the entertainment industry led him to the stage, and in 1978, he shared the Broadway spotlight with the illustrious Liza Minnelli in the musical The Act. His screen presence continued with roles in movies like Blue Sunshine (1976) and appearances in episodes of series such as “Adam-12,” Barnaby Jones, and Quincy M.E.
Goddard’s talent extended to soap operas, including One Life to Live, The Doctors, and General Hospital. In a fitting homage to his legacy, he made a cameo appearance in the 1998 reboot film Lost in Space, this time taking on the role of a general overseeing the Jupiter Mission and outranking his previous character, Major Don West.
His journey in the entertainment world was marked by versatility and an enduring passion for the craft of acting. His contributions to both the small and big screens, as well as the Broadway stage, left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment and continue to be celebrated by fans and colleagues alike.
Goddard’s former co-star from Lost in Space Billy Mumy (Will Robinson), also paid tribute to him. He described Goddard as a “beloved friend and brother” and mentioned that they had shared a heartfelt conversation on Goddard’s 87th birthday in late July, where the last words exchanged between them were “I love you.”
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