Guy Williams
Guy Williams (January 14, 1924 – May 7, 1989) was an American actor and former fashion model, who played swashbuckling action heroes in the 1950s and 1960s, but never quite achieved movie-star status despite his appearance (including hazel eyes, 6′3″ height, and 190 lb. weight) and charisma, which helped launch his early successful photographic modeling career.
Among his most prominent achievements were two memorable TV series: Zorro (in black and white – colorized years later by the Disney enterprise) and Lost in Space, as the father of the Robinson family. The sci-fi TV program was highly popular, noted for the design of the sleek silver spacesuits, which Guy Williams wore in many publicity photos (see image at right).
His hobbies included: astronomy, chess, music (mostly classical), fencing, tropical fish, and sailing: he owned a 40-foot (12-m) ketch called The Oceana.
Early in 1957, Williams appeared twice in the role of Steve Clay in the syndicated television series, Men of Annapolis, a military drama set at the United States Naval Academy. 
About this time, the Walt Disney Company carried out casting for Disney’s Zorro, a new television series based on the character (created by Johnston McCulley) already famous on the silver screen, as performed by Douglas Fairbanks and Tyrone Power.
To play Zorro (”Don Diego de la Vega”), the chosen actor would have to be handsome and have some experience with fencing. Walt Disney himself interviewed Guy Williams, telling him (comically) to start growing a mustache “neither very long or thick” (i.e. somewhat like Disney’s own mustache). The exclusive contract paid Williams the then very high wage of $2,500 per week, as he had demanded. Williams resumed his professional training of fencing with the Belgian champion Fred Cavens (who also trained Douglas Fairbanks, Errol Flynn and Tyrone Power), since the show required swordfights in most episodes. He also took guitar lessons with the famous Vicente Gomez.
In 1964 Guy Williams returned to Hollywood to resume his career, being added to the cast of the NBC’s smash-hit TV series Bonanza (1959–1973) as Ben’s nephew Will Cartwright.
