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Jay Robinson has died

Along with Star Trek, I remember him primarily from Buck Rogers and Bewitched. He was one of those guys who were always distinctive and memorable, kind of like Jonathan Harris.
 
Before I knew him for being in "Elaan of Troyius," I remember him playing Emperor Caligula in "The Robe." A great performance there.
 
He was very funny in a 1970s "Barney Miller" episode playing a conman who split his time between living in Fargo and on Saturn.
 
Watching "The Robe" when I was a kid, I remember how scary Robinson's Caligula was. He played the role to the hilt. I think he would have made a great Zachary Smith had Jonathan Harris passed on the part.
 
I thought I had once seen him on a talk show, but there doesn't seem to be any corresponding entry on IMDB. I might be remembering the documentary he helped produce on The Robe's restoration. Such a wonderful voice, and his Caligula is still a marvel in those two films. I was watching "Elaan of Troyius" a lot last month while my computer was sick, and he's hilarious in it.
 
Interesting thing about his voice. The older he got, the deeper it got, but his distinctive diction and intonation remained the same. If he'd wanted, he could have been a narrator of a really creepy series a'la Tales From the Crypt or some such.
 
Melakon said:
I was watching "Elaan of Troyius" a lot last month while my computer was sick, and he's hilarious in it.
Click to expand...

I know, I love his Petri character. Right from the beginning, he's packed with personality, and great, well-delivered lines to boot!

"These are the most prized of jewels...for your lovely neck!"

:lol:
"
 
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