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Russle Johnson in star trek

He also played an alien (posing as a human being) in the classic 1950s sci-fi flick, IT CAME FROM OUTER SPACE.

And, you know, he might have made a good Zefram Cochrane.

That's right he was one of the two guys in the spidery desert! But that was back in the fifties!
JB
 
"This Island Earth" as, guess what, a scientist, unwittingly assisting alien Metalunians develop new sources of atomic fuel. TIE, of course was "riffed" with aplomb in the theatrical version of "Mystery Science Theater 3000". When Johnson first appears on screen, Mike (or possibly one of the 'Bots) notes, "What this 'and the rest' crap?!" referencing the way he and DawnWwells were collectively introduced in the first season of "Gilligan's Island".

Sincerely,

Bill

He bought the farm in that one though didn't he!
JB
 
He bought the farm in that one though didn't he!
JB

Alas, yes. He, along with Cal and Ruth having deduced "something" is going on, try to flee the Georgia based compound in a Woody. (the car, gang, the car!) Exeter's second in command exceeds his authority and using an Interositor, starts shooting at the vehicle. Johnson tells the film's leads to bail out while he distracts the aliens. A final beam from the sky finally strikes the car exploding it, but not before the riffers, maybe Servo, exclaims, "I regret NOTHING!!!"

Can you tell I like that film? Well, the "riffed" version, anyway.
 
I agree that Daystrom would have been a good fit, but I certainly would have regretted not seeing the performance of William Marshall. Strong, but nuanced. I think he could have pulled off the guilt ridden Decker pretty well. A much smaller role that would have kept him in the scientist caricature, he could've made a brief but appropriate turn as one of those two unfortunates on Minara II!!!
 
A number of Trek fans on this forum and others have noted Johnson's strong resemblance to Anthony Call of "The Corbomite Maneuver",
 
I got to meet Russell Johnson in my career in radio. He came to the station with Dawn Wells. I had him sign a TWILIGHT ZONE book on the page about his episode, "Back There".

HGN_RussellJohnson_DawnWells.jpg


This would have been in the late '80s or early '90s. (Me on right.)
 
I've pondered this thread for a few weeks now. Having a hard time placing Johnson anywhere in TOS simply because with very few exception, I think the show was marvelously cast. He might have done a very good Larry Marvick, though David Frakham did a wonderful job. Beyond that episode, I'm having difficulty envisioning him in the series.
 
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