Ray Dutczak talks to Angela Cartwright

Ray: Angela, how did you get the role of Penny Robinson in Lost In Space?
Angela: Irwin was apparently a fan of The Danny Thomas Show... and he called me into his office for an interview. When I walked in he said to me, "I didn't know how old you would be. I thought you might come in smoking a cigar." True story...
 
Ray: While filming LIS you had to go to school everyday. What was that like?
Angela: I was pretty used to going to school on a set. I realize now I'm older that it took alot of discipline. You went to makeup and did your wardrobe, then you went to school... you had to go for a minimum of 20 minutes, then they would call you to the set to do your scene, then you'd go back to school and so on and so on all day long. You had to get 3 hours of school a day, to be completed before 3:00. Depending on the shooting schedule it could be very grinding. But I enjoyed school with Bill and we had wonderful teachers. And you did get a pretty good education for it was private tutoring.
 
Ray: In the first 2 seasons in Lost In Space you had long hair, then in the third season you had short hair. Any reason why?
Angela: I got called to Irwin's office at the beginning of the 3rd season and asked me to cut it off. They said it looked like a shawl. I loved my long hair and resisted them taking scissors to it. So we compromised and I wore a wig. My long locks were braided each morning under that wig. It was kind of a drag... but it did look good with the short skirt and high boots of that seasons outfits. I didn't cut my hair off till I was 18, and actually it wasn't my choice... a very 'big' hairdresser in Beverly Hills (someday I'll write who it was in my memoirs) didn't even ask me and just chopped it off into a shag cut. I was in shock for days, but grew to like it. I was modeling at the time and it was time.
 
Ray: Many guest stars appeared in LIS. Do you have any favorites?
Angela: It was fun to work with Sherry Jackson again (she played my older sister on Danny Thomas Show. Kym Karath (who was my sister in The Sound of Music) and Hans Conreid who had been "Uncle Tonoose" on Danny's Show. It was fun to be with them all again. I loved working with Michael J. Pollard, Kurt Russell and Michel Rennie too.
 
Ray: What are your favorite Lost in Space episodes?
Angela: I'd have to say "My Friend, Mr. Nobody" is my all-time favorite. I love the way it looks and the music. Scored by John Williams who wrote the 'Penny' music just for this episode. I also liked "Promised Planet" and shooting the pilot.
 
Ray: In the episode "All That Glitters," there is a scene where Dr. Smith turns Penny platinum. How long did the platinum make-up take to apply?
Angela: It took about 2 hours. And your skin didn't breathe so you felt very hot and sweaty. Today they have improved the makeup's they use.
 
Ray: In the episode "My Friend, Mr. Nobody" you had to exchange dialog with Mr. Nobody, whom was an alien force. How did you this, as there was no actor to exchange dialog with during rehearsal?
Angela: The script girl read the lines off stage to me. I had no idea the kind of voice that would be used, and it sure was different after it had been edited.
 
Ray: In the episode "Promised Planet," you are seen doing a dance with Keith Taylor, the door opens, and in comes Jonathan Harris dancing. Did you teach Jonathan this dance?
Angela: Jonathan created his own dance, but he had probably watched us groove to the music and then created his own Dr. Smith interpretation.
 
Ray: What was it like to work with Guy Williams?
Angela: Guy was terrific. He was funny, kind and strong. I remember when he hugged me his chest was very strong. I never saw him without his shirt but he was in terrific shape.
 
Ray: How did you learn that LIS was canceled?
Angela: A phone call from my agent. It was a drag cause we were popular enough to do another season.
 
Ray: What type of projects have you been doing lately?
Angela: I've got plenty on my platter. I've been writing a fantasy-adventure novel with Bill Mumy for the past 18 months. Hope to get it published soon. We're very proud of it, and we had a terrific time writing together. It started out as a children's short book and blossomed into a novel for children of all ages. There's a couple of acting projects in the works but I can't talk about them yet. You can check out my website www.angela-cartwright.com for the latest news in the Update Section.
 
And...I've been a photographer since I was 18 and I have begun to print some of my work. I'm working on putting together a gallery showing. Check it out at my artisans website www.RubberBoots.com click on Art Parts or my name on the main screen.
 
Ray: Any closing comments for you fans around the world?
Angela: I'd just like to say thanks for keeping 'Lost In Space' alive. It was a great time in my life and the fans of the show have been terrific and loyal.