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Guy Williams | |
|---|---|
 Williams at his arrival in Argentina, April 1973 | |
| Born | Armando Joseph Catalano (1924-01-14)January 14, 1924 |
| Died | April 30, 1989(1989-04-30) (aged 65) |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Years active | 1947–1973 |
| Spouse | |
| Children | 2 |
Armando Joseph Catalano (January 14, 1924 – April 30, 1989[1]), better known asGuy Williams, was an American actor. He playedswashbuckling action heroes in the 1950s and 1960s.[2]
Among his most notable achievements were two TV series:Zorro in the title role, and as the father of the Robinson family on the popularsci-fi seriesLost in Space.
During most of the 1970s, Guy Williams frequently visited and worked in television shows in Argentina, where he was most revered.[3] He retired in the early 1980s inBuenos Aires, where he died of a rupturedbrain aneurysm in 1989.
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Guy Williams was born of Sicilian descent on January 14, 1924,[4] as Armando Joseph Catalano in theWashington Heights area of New York City. His parents were insurance broker Attilio Catalano fromLercara Friddi and Clara (Arcara) Catalano fromMessina,[5] and were by then living in poverty. Attilio was the son of a wealthy timber grower inMessina, who had purchased land in New Jersey. Williams grew up in theLittle Italy neighborhood of The Bronx.
In Public School 189, Williams stood out in mathematics. Later, he attendedGeorge Washington High School, while he occasionally worked at asoda fountain.[6] He then left to attend thePeekskill Military Academy, where he was an enthusiastic student. His interests included American football and chess.[citation needed]
Williams wanted to be an actor, spurred by his good looks and 6'3" height. When he decided not to continue studying, his mother, who later became an executive of a foreign film company, was disappointed because it was expected that he would follow in his father's footsteps as an insurance broker.
After working as awelder,cost accountant andaircraft-parts inspector duringWorld War II, Williams became a salesman in the luggage department atWanamaker's. While there, he decided to send his photos to a modeling agency. He quickly found great success with assignments resulting in photographs in newspapers and magazines, includingHarper's Bazaar as well as on billboards and book covers. He then adopted the name Guy Williams in the 1940s on the advice of his agentHenry Willson after a director refused to cast him because of his on-screen moniker, Guido Armando, that sounded "too foreign".
In 1946, Williams signed a one-year contract withMetro-Goldwyn-Mayer and moved to Hollywood. For his debut, he had a featured role as theEnola Gay bombardier in the MGM docudramaThe Beginning or the End (1947), about the development of theatom bomb. He appeared in only a few films afterwards and soon returned to New York.
In 1948, to advertisecigarettes whileskiing, Williams did an extensive filming trip accompanied by Janice Cooper, aJohn Robert Powers model. During the long photographic sessions, they fell in love, marrying on December 8, just after they returned to New York City. They had two children, Guy Steven Catalano (aka Guy Williams Jr.) and Antoinette Catalano (aka Toni Williams); both became actors.
By 1950, Williams was filming some of the pioneering television commercials in the U.S. His father died in 1951, never to witness his son's rise to fame. In 1952, Williams obtained a new one-year contract withUniversal-International and moved to Hollywood. He also appeared in an episode ofThe Lone Ranger, playing a town sheriff.
Guy Williams appeared in small supporting roles in films, including:
In 1953, he suffered a serious accident when he fell from a horse and was dragged over 200 yards, resulting in a long scar on his left shoulder. Because of this he returned to New York to continue acting and modeling there and temporarily abandoned his film career. In 1953, he left Universal and became a freelancer for movies produced byAllied Artists andWarner Brothers.
Early in 1957, Williams appeared twice in the role of Steve Clay in the television seriesMen of Annapolis, a military drama set at the United States Naval Academy. He also appeared in theRod Cameron dramaState Trooper in the episode "No Fancy Cowboys" about the defrauding of guests at a dude ranch.
About this time, theWalt Disney Company was casting forZorro, a television series based on the character created in 1919 byJohnston McCulley: the young nobleman Don Diego de la Vega and his masked alter egoZorro. To play the main character, the chosen actor would have to be handsome and have some experience withfencing.Walt Disney interviewed Guy Williams, telling him to start growing a mustache "neither very long or thick." The exclusive contract paid Williams the then very high wage of $2,500 per week, equivalent to $21,000 in 2024.[7] Williams resumed his professional training in fencing with the Belgian championFred Cavens (who also trainedDouglas Fairbanks,Errol Flynn andTyrone Power), since the show required sword fights in most episodes. He also took guitar lessons with the famous Vicente Gomez. Williams' first appearance as Zorro was on the Disney anthology television seriesThe Fourth Anniversary Show, wherein he challenged the notion that Zorro was afictional character.
The series of half-hour episodes debuted on ABC on October 10, 1957. It was an instant hit in the U.S. Seventy-eight episodes were produced over two seasons (1957–1959), and two movies were edited from TV episodes:The Sign of Zorro (1958) andZorro the Avenger (1959). The theme song was composed byNorman Foster andGeorge Bruns and performed byThe Mellomen; it reached #17 on theHit Parade. In 1959, a legal dispute arose between Disney and ABC, causing a hiatus and the eventual cancellation ofZorro. However, four hour-long episodes were produced with the original primary cast, including Williams. These episodes were released as part of theWalt Disney Presents series between October 30, 1960, and April 12, 1961.
On March 5, 1959, asZorro was ending its original run, Williams was a guest star, along withSally Brophy and Tom Nolan, onThe Ford Show, Starring Tennessee Ernie Ford.
In 1962, Williams played Sir Miles Hendon in Walt Disney'sThe Prince and the Pauper, shot in England.
After finishing his contract with Disney, Guy Williams went to Europe to film two movies:
In 1964, Guy Williams returned to Hollywood to resume his career, being added to the cast of the hit TV seriesBonanza as Ben's nephewWill Cartwright.[6] Williams found himself written out of the series after five episodes despite being slated to become one of the four permanent leads. His character had been created as a replacement for Adam Cartwright, since actorPernell Roberts planned to leave the show at the end of that season, thus allowing the format with four regular leads to continue. Fans wrote in to keep the original Cartwrights and producers held Roberts to his contract and kept him on for another season.[8]
In 1965, Guy Williams returned to weekly television in the popular science-fiction seriesLost in Space withJune Lockhart as his wife. Williams played Professor John Robinson, an expert in astrophysics and geology, who commanded the mission of theJupiter 2 spaceship, taking his family on a voyage to colonize theAlpha Centauri star system.
Williams always had a frank and open temperament, was a great connoisseur of wine, a chess and fencing enthusiast and a great lover of travel. As early as 1969, at the end ofLost in Space, he was disappointed that no job offer materialized. He then decided to retire to enjoy his small fortune earned by investing in various businesses.
Starting on January 2, 1967,Channel 13 television inBuenos Aires broadcast ‘'El Zorro’' during the daytime every day from 12:30 to 1:00 p.m. and evenings from 7:00 to 7:30 p.m., with great success. In 1970, toy stores and kiosks throughout Argentina soldaction figures, costumes, and all kinds of items related to Zorro.
Due to the success of the series, Channel 13 management had the idea wanted to meet with Williams to see how he would feel about starring in a variety of children's programming at the station. Buenos Aires' journalist Leonardo Gleizer was tasked with traveling to the US to make contact with Williams:
When I arrived in New York it was very difficult to know where Williams would live. After several unsuccessful inquiries, it occurred to me to look in the telephone directory. To my surprise, Guy Williams lived inCalifornia. I called him and got an answer from a woman (Janice, Williams' wife). I spoke with him, telling him that I had come all the way from Argentina to look for him and that I thought he would be attracted to the idea. She told me to go see him at his home in California. He picked me up at the airport. When I saw him without a mustache, I suggested he grow one. A fortnight after that first call, we went to Buenos Aires.
Willams's arrival at theMinistro Pistarini International Airport ofEzeiza, on Sunday, 1 April, 1973, was a tremendous event. Thousands of children with their parents came to the Airport to greet the actor. Guy agreed to dress up as Zorro in several programs of Channel 13 (something he had emphatically rejected in the USA) and to make a small fencing exhibition in the programTeleshow (Channel 13, Monday to Friday from 2:30 to 5:00 p.m.) hosted by Víctor Sueiro.
Such was the success of the presentation in Sueiro's program that the channel's wardrobe department made a costume similar to the one in the popular series, with which Williams also appeared inPorcelandia (Wednesdays from 9:30 to 10:30 p.m.), whereJorge Porcel had a sketch called “El Sorro con S”; in this program they needed to recreate a fencing scene. Williams' contender was the very young Argentine fencing championFernando Lupiz (who in 2005 presented a daily TV show where he taught fencing and showed Zorro cartoons), who was about to turn 20 years old.[9]
Each program where Williams appeared achieved ratings of over 90 points, something historic for the Channel, so another trip was planned for that same year.
On Saturday July 14, 1973 Guy Williams made his second visit to Argentina. About 50,000 people (children and adults) crowded the runway of the Ezeiza international airport, shouting “Zorro, Zorro!”, waiting for the arrival ofPan Am flight 201. First, Williams and his wife Janice got off the plane and were welcomed by Leo Gleizer, the journalist who had arranged Williams' first trip to Argentina.
Suddenly, a thunderous roar was heard from the crowd: the lyric baritone and actorHenry Calvin -the obese Sergeant Demetrio López García from theEl Zorro series-, who was recognized in spite of his emaciated appearance (he had an undiagnosed throat cancer). When asked how he had stopped being fat, Calvin said he had set out to lose 80 kilos, and he had succeeded. He had begun his career in the 1930s as a singer (he had abaritone voice, which he once showed inEl Zorro).
Channel 13 assigned an assistant, a translator and a driver to attend them. On the day of their arrival in Argentina, they had dinner at a restaurant on theRío de la Plata waterfront. The next day they attended a tanguería in the emblematic area ofCaminito, in theLa Boca neighborhood, where Williams learned to dance theTango. There Williams triedMate, while his companion continued drinking beer and white winemendocino. They both agreed on meals: Argentine asado (barbecue) and marinated suckling pig were their favorite dishes. They also visited schools and public hospitals, where they signed autographs for the children. During this stay, Zorro fought a duel atCarlitos Balá's Magic Circus and was seen for the first time atMirtha Legrand's show, which would be repeated throughout the years.[9]
Calvin accompanied him to Channel 13, where they did a show (each in costume). Such was the popularity that Williams and Calvin enjoyed in Argentina that Channel 9 (Telefe) called them to attendSusana Giménez's program, which was broadcast on Sundays from 8 pm to 9 pm. Both would soon return to California, where Guy continued his business of makingPanetone (Italian sweet bread).
The third visit was in December 1974, this time alone and incognito. In 1979 Guy Williams returned to Buenos Aires, not for a contract with Channel 13, but to produce his own shows. He had separated from his wife, and his new traveling Zorro partner was now Fernando Lúpiz (26), disguised as Captain Monasterio. Although he wore a mustache like his character, the boy was too young for the role. To promote the show, Zorro appeared in the programsPatolandia (starring comedianPato Carret) and El Capitán Piluso (starring comedianAlberto Olmedo). Williams presented his show for two months throughout the country, with excellent reviews.[9]
This show was presented in several circuses, where the character that all Argentine children wanted to see in person was reserved for the grand finale. In the arena, the presenter would announce it with pomp. Zorro (who, at 6' 2" tall, was much taller than expected) appeared on his black horse, waving with his right hand. After a few words, Captain Monasterio (Lúpiz) appeared, starting the fight, which lasted several minutes, with the expected victory of Williams. Zorro's participation was short, about 15 minutes, but everyone present was amazed to see their hero (whose adventures they followed daily on the small screen). On Buenos Aires' Sarmiento Avenue there was a gigantic billboard with the silhouette of the idol and a letter “Z”.
In 1977, producers Carlos Montero (from channel 13) and Enrique García Fuertes announced the projectEl Zorro y su hijo, a film that would star Williams and Lúpiz. At this time, producer Carlos Patiño began negotiations to hire Zorro for the Real Madrid circus of the Seguras brothers, a show in which it was customary to see famous figures. Real Madrid was the biggest success in Mar del Plata during 1977 and 1978. From December 1977 to March 1978, 250,000 people applauded Zorro in person.
The Zorro fever did not end. Williams made many Argentine friends, and was enchanted by the country. The film project became an obsession for Guy. It had started as a side project, but soon Williams realized it would be the resurrection of his career. He began working on the script and sets. His intention was to use real natural sites in Argentina. The working title of the story wasZorro. The project was very ambitious, estimated at three million dollars, too expensive for Argentina's unstable economy, but he insisted that it would be seen at the same time in 65 countries.
The only one who could finance the film was the singer and actorPalito Ortega. Ortega made many changes to the script and filming locations that Williams had chosen. Ortega also ordered that the role of Bernardo be played by Carlitos Balá. It had also been decided that the role of Captain Monasterio would be played by the Argentine actorAlfredo Alcón (and not his partner Lúpiz). For Guy this was too much, not because he did not like Balá or Alcón, but because he saw his work of three years disappearing under Ortega's wishes. Thus the project was aborted.
Without the film, Williams had nothing to do in Buenos Aires and returned to California in the early 1980s. The script of the project can be seen at the Museo del Cine de Buenos Aires.[9]
AfterLost in Space, Guy Williams decided to retire in order to better enjoy his wealth which had been generated by investments in several businesses, buying and selling on the stock market.
When Williams had first visited Argentina in 1973, he was taken by the admiration and fascination the Argentine people expressed for him and his character of El Zorro. In return, Williams fell in love with the culture and people of Argentina. In the late 1970s, he retired, except for personal appearances, toRecoleta, an upscale neighborhood of Buenos Aires.
In subsequent years, Williams also brought to Argentina some of the original cast members of theZorro series, includingHenry Calvin who performed as Sergeant Garcia. Williams even formed a circus (Circo Real Madrid) with the local fencing champion, and later actor,Fernando Lupiz, traveling all over South America (1977).
In 1982, Williams sent a formal request to theAmerican Embassy in Buenos Aires asking permission to volunteer as an ambulance driver for theArgentinian Army during theFalklands War, as his old age made him unfit for any combat role. He was never called up, and would later joke saying "Argentina missed Zorro fighting for the Falklands".[10]
In 1983, Williams returned to Los Angeles for three final television appearances. He joinedLost in Space cast members June Lockhart,Angela Cartwright,Bob May, andMarta Kristen for three celebrity episodes ofFamily Feud against the casts ofBatman,Hawaiian Eye, andGilligan's Island respectively.[11][12][13] He later appeared as a guest onGood Morning America.[14]
In 1989, after spending solitary months in Argentina, it was reported that Williams had disappeared. The local police searched his apartment in Recoleta on May 6, 1989, finding his body.[15] An autopsy revealed he died a week prior of a ruptured brain aneurysm.[16]
Owing to his great popularity in Argentina, his ashes lay for two years at the Argentine Actors' Society cemetery atLa Chacarita Cemetery, Actor Pantheon & Crypt 278. In 1991, in accordance with his wishes, Williams' ashes were spread over the Pacific Ocean inMalibu, California.[citation needed]
A number of books have been written which feature Williams, particularly in his role as Zorro. This includes theZorro Television Companion, detailing the making of the Disney series,[23] as well as a biography by Antoinette Girgenti Lane,Guy Williams: The Man Behind the Mask (2005).[24]
A collection of original Zorro short stories, some inspired specifically by Guy Williams, was edited byRichard Dean Starr and released in 2008. It includes an introduction by Guy Williams Jr. (with Matthew Baugh) and an afterword by Isabel Allende.[25] The cover art on the trade paperback edition by Douglas Klauba was a homage to Guy Williams.
| Year | Film | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1947 | The Beginning or the End | Enola Gay bombardier | Uncredited |
| 1951 | The Day the Earth Stood Still | Radar Operator | Uncredited |
| 1952 | Bonzo Goes to College | Ronald Calkins | |
| Back at the Front | Quartermaster Captain | Uncredited | |
| 1953 | The Mississippi Gambler | Andre | |
| House Party | Short | Short film | |
| Take Me to Town | Hero in Snow | Uncredited | |
| All I Desire | Party Guest | Uncredited | |
| The Man from the Alamo | Sergeant | ||
| The Golden Blade | Baghdad'stown crier | Uncredited | |
| 1955 | Seven Angry Men | Salmon Brown | |
| Sincerely Yours | Dick Cosgrove | Uncredited | |
| The Last Frontier | Lieutenant Benton | Uncredited | |
| 1957 | I Was a Teenage Werewolf | Officer Chris Stanley | |
| 1962 | The Prince and the Pauper | Miles Hendon | |
| Damon and Pythias | Damon | ||
| 1963 | Captain Sindbad | Captain Sinbad |
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1951 | Studio One | Episode:The Paris Feeling | |
| 1955 | The Mickey Rooney Show | Elliot Ross, Dr. Pierce | Episode:Seven Days to Doom |
| Edwards, Network Executive | Episode:The Average Man | ||
| Four Star Playhouse | Dick | Episode:Trudy | |
| Damon Runyon Theater | Episode:Big Shoulders | ||
| The Lone Ranger | Sheriff Will Harrington | Episode:Six-Gun Artist | |
| Cameo Theatre | Episode:Bending of the Bough | ||
| The Loretta Young Show | Episode:The Last Spring | ||
| 1956 | Crossroads | 1st Soldier | Episode:The Comeback |
| 1956–57 | Highway Patrol | Officer | Episode:Runaway Boy |
| Officer Barney | Episode:Plane Crash | ||
| Officer Hansen | Episode:Harbor Story | ||
| Jerry March | Episode:Officer's Wife | ||
| 1957 | Cavalcade of America | First Player | Episode:Decision for a Hero |
| State Trooper | Vince Breedon | Episode:No Fancy Cowboys | |
| Code 3 | Chet Larmon | Episode:Bail Out (uncredited) | |
| 1957–1958 | Men of Annapolis | Steve Clay | Episode:Seawall |
| Mike | Episode:The Fight | ||
| 1958 | Sergeant Preston of the Yukon | Jim Lorane | Episode:The Generous Hobo |
| 1957–1961 | Zorro | Zorro | Main role: 78 episodes |
| 1957–1961 | Walt Disney Presents | Zorro | Main role: 5 episodes |
| 1964 | Bonanza | Will Cartwright | 5 episodes |
| 1965–1968 | Lost in Space | Dr. John Robinson | Main cast: 84 episodes |
His body was found on Saturday May 6, 1989, but he had already been dead for a number of days; he was last seen alive on April 30; his death date has often been reported as May 7, but this was already a dayafter his body was found, and probably almost a week after he actually died.
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