William Schallert, who starred in the science fiction classics as The Man from Planet X, Gog, Space Patrol, Colossus: The Forbin Project, Gremlins and played Patty Duke’s father in the Patty Duke Show has passed away. 

Born July 6th, 1922, he was the son of the drama Critic at the Los Angeles Times, Mr. Schallert attended UCLA when he became interested in acting in 1942.

Mr. Schallert married Leah Waggner (real name Rosemarie Diann Waggner) in 1949 and fathered four children. Having found his soul mate with his loving wife, the pair were together until his sad passing. 

After successful stage and minor roles in films, he was hired by Edgar Ulmer for $175.00 to portray Dr. Mears which was filmed all on a sound stage using leftover sets from the production of Joan of Arc. The movie was shot in five days.

Mr. Schallert appeared in the Star Trek classic; The Trouble with Tribbles as well as appearing in The Twilight Zone episode; Mr. Bevis as well as Men into Space and Sea Hunt.

Mr. Schallert was also a former president of the Screen Actors Guild.

A gracious man with a warm, bright smile you couldn’t help but like him instantly. Mr. Schallert loved acting and didn’t believe in retiring working in films up until his recent passing. At autograph shows and science fiction conventions, he always made time for his fans telling wonderful stories of his work.

STARBURST sends our heartfelt thoughts to his friends and family. He was a great actor who will be missed.

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