Mark Goddard

Charles Harvey (aka Mark) Goddard became best known for his role as the combative Major Don West in the cult TV series Lost in Space (1965). The youngest of five siblings, he was born in Lowell, Massachusetts, but grew up in Scituate, raised as a Catholic. Though excelling in sports, Goddard gave up early ambitions of a professional basketball career. Following advice from the head of the dramatic society of the College of the Holy Cross, he attended the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in Manhattan. Two years later, he relocated to Los Angeles and, before long, received offers to act in television. His first recurring role on the small screen was as the lead character's deputy in the western series Johnny Ringo (1959). He then replaced Lee Farr as one of The Detectives (1959), portraying police officer Chris Ballard in 64 episodes. Goddard made guest appearances in The Beverly Hillbillies (1962), The Virginian (1962), Gunsmoke (1955) and Perry Mason (1957) and co-starred alongside Jo