"The Bill Dana Show" only lasted two years but it is still a well known American classic. Thanks to the sterling performances of actors Bill Dana and Jonathan Harris on the show, it went on to become one of the most famous movies in Hollywood.
"The Bill Dana Show" is a spinoff of "The Danny Thomas Show." In 1961, Bill Dana, whose real name is William Szathmary, made his very first appearance in "The Danny Thomas Show" and his character became so famous that he got his own show.
Bill Dana as Jose Jimemez from his television program The Bill Dana Show.| Photo: Wikimedia Commons.
Dana and Harris became household names thanks to their comical displays, and it is rather nice to find that the men lived full lives both on and off the screen.
BILL DANA
Bill Dana's entertainment career lasted forty years following his debut in 1954. Till date, "The Bill Dana Show" which ended in 1965 is widely recognized as one of Dana's most notable works.
Dana was a multi-talented man, and he was accepted just as such. He gave excellent performances as an actor, comedian, and screenwriter with one of his television characters, Jose Jimenez going on to become one of the most popular onscreen acts.
Bill Dana as Jose Jimemez from his television program The Bill Dana Show.| Photo: Wikimedia Commons.
His other notable works include performing on "The Imogene Coca Show," "The Martha Raye Show," as well as writing for and producing "The Spike Jones Show."
Also, Dana contrived the trademark "Would You Believe?" line of jokes that Don Adams employed as a standup and on the TV series "Get Smart" and penned one of the funniest episodes in "All in the Family" history — the one from 1972 in which Sammy Davis Jr. plants a kiss on Archie Bunker (Carroll O'Connor).
Dana also went on to produce variety shows for Berle and Spike Jones and wrote for Chico and the Man, Donny and Marie Osmond's variety hour and Matlock. He also reunited with his pal Adams to help write "The Nude Bomb" in 1980 marking the return of Maxwell Smart.
Bill Dana as Jose Jimemez from his television program The Bill Dana Show.| Photo: Wikimedia Commons.
In 2017, Dana passed away aged 92, but the exact cause of death remains unknown. It can, however, be said that his was a life well-lived. He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Evy.
JONATHAN HARRIS
Born Jonathan Charasuchin, Harris was a trained pharmacologist who developed a love for acting after seeing several local plays. He became a household name for playing Jose Jimenez's snooty boss in "The Bill Dana Show" and went on to star in many other notable shows and films.
Jonathan Harris promoting his role on the CBS television series Lost in Space.| Photo: Wikimedia Commons.
With the unexpected cancellation of the series, Harris found himself fighting typecasting. He found guest roles in "Night Gallery," "Bewitched," "Ghost and Mrs. Muir," "Sanford and Son" and "Get Smart."
Harris retired from making onscreen appearances in 1982 and became more focused on his voice-over work. His voice was heard in numerous commercials and cartoons including "Darkwing Duck," "Buzz Lightyear of Star Command," "Toy Story 2" and many others.
Jonathan Harris promoting his role on the CBS television series Lost in Space.| Photo: Wikimedia Commons.
He had his last significant role in "A Bug's Life" as he passed away while working on the television movie, "Lost in Space: The Journey Home." Harris died at Encino Medical Center from a blood clot that reached his heart after he was hospitalized for an unrelated illness.
Although they passed away at starkly different times, the one thing Harris and Dana admittedly have in common is their devotion to their acting careers and in turn, keeping people entertained. May their souls continue to rest in peace.
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