Do You Remember This TV Classic ....My Favorite Martian 1963

My Favorite Martian was a classic American TV sitcom that aired on CBS from 1963 to 1966. The show starred Ray Walston as the alien "Uncle Martin" (whose real Martian name was Exigius 12½) and Bill Bixby as Tim O'Hara, a young newspaper reporter who takes him in. Created by John L. Greene, My Favorite Martian was one of the earliest and most successful shows to mix science fiction with comedy, exploring humorous "fish-out-of-water" scenarios and misunderstandings caused by Martin's alien nature.

The story begins when Tim, while out on an assignment, witnesses a small spaceship crash. He finds Martin, an alien from Mars, stranded on Earth and decides to keep his identity a secret by introducing him as his Uncle Martin. Martin's advanced alien powers—such as telepathy, levitation, invisibility, and the ability to shrink or enlarge objects—added a comedic element to the show, as Tim often found himself caught in bizarre situations trying to hide Martin's true nature. The show tapped into the era's fascination with space exploration and the unknown, especially in the midst of the 1960s "Space Race." While initially popular and charming for its innovative concept and humorous scenarios, My Favorite Martian only lasted three seasons. Its decline was partly due to competition from Bewitched,

which premiered in 1964 with a similar theme of "normal person living with a magical or supernatural being" but with a focus on witches and magic rather than aliens. My Favorite Martian left a lasting legacy in television history. It inspired a 1999 film adaptation starring Christopher Lloyd as Uncle Martin and Jeff Daniels as Tim, although the film had mixed reviews. Today, My Favorite Martian is remembered fondly as a piece of classic TV nostalgia that paved the way for other sci-fi comedies and expanded the genre’s boundaries in television.

 

Ray Walston, best known for his roles in My Favorite Martian, Damn Yankees, and Fast Times at Ridgemont High, was an intensely private man who valued his family and career over fame. He was born on December 2, 1914, in New Orleans, Louisiana. From a young age, he showed an interest in performing arts and eventually moved to New York City to pursue acting. Despite his success, Walston avoided the Hollywood social scene and kept his personal life largely out of the public eye. He was married to Ruth Calvert in 1943, and their marriage lasted until her death in 2004—a rarity in Hollywood. They had one daughter together, Katherine Ann Walston. His commitment to his family was well-known among friends and colleagues, and he kept his private life mostly shielded from the press. Walston was dedicated to his craft and loved the theater as much as film and television. His career spanned six decades, and his reserved nature contrasted with the boisterous characters he often portrayed. He was also known for his strong opinions on typecasting and the struggle to find serious roles after his breakout performance in My Favorite Martian. Walston continued acting well into his 80s, consistently delivering memorable performances and maintaining his privacy until his passing in 2001.

 

                              BJ 🙈🙉👽