Richard "Dick" Tufeld

Tufeld, Richard "Dick" December 11, 1926 - January 22, 2012 Voice of "Lost in Space" B9 Robot Acclaimed Pioneer Television and Radio Announcer Richard (Dick) Norton Tufeld passed away peacefully Sunday January 22nd, at his home in Studio City, California. He was 85. Born December 11, 1926 in Los Angeles to Tanya Margaret (Peg) and Bentley Tufeld, he was raised in Pasadena, California. He attended Pasadena City College, before heading off to Northwestern University's prestigious School of Speech. It was there that he met the love of his life Adrienne to whom he proposed after a lengthy courtship of only 3 days! They graduated in 1948 and were married later that same year. Their marriage lasted for 55 years until her death in 2004. As a young boy he enjoyed classic radio programs which is where his career began. At 16 years old, he became staff announcer for local station KPAS. He also loved spinning records as a DJ, which is where he developed his life long love of first Big Band, and then Jazz Music. In 1945, a part time summer job introduced him to young literary agent Irwin Allen. In the late 1940's Dick began his career in earnest by announcing "The Amazing Mr. Malone", followed by "Falstaff Fables". But it was is in 1950 long before Star Trek, that Dick became well known announcing the live weekly radio show "Space Patrol". The show began with Dick's turbulent narration, "SPAAAACE PATROOOL!" TV work followed, announcing the daytime "Noon Hour Newscast" for KABC and then anchoring the 11 PM news. Sports followed, hosting, "The Dick Tufeld Sports Page"- But it was his deep resonant voice that landed him behind the camera. He announced Warner Brothers "Original Bugs Bunny" and Hanna-Barbera's "The Jetsons" and variety shows starring Judy Garland, Julie Andrews, Tom Jones, and "The Hollywood Palace". He also announced "Zorro", "Peyton Place", "Bewitched", "Get Smart", ABC's Movie of the Week, and several Irwin Allen hit shows. He was the voice for hundreds of commercials including "Rice a Roni" and "Gallo Wines". Dick announced 16 Grammy Award shows as well as the Emmys. For 30 years Dick was the voice for ABC daytime programming, as well as the voice for Disney, including "The Wonderful World of Disney." A great memory was his announcing the Main Street Parade on the day Disneyland opened in 1955. But it was as the Voice of The B9 Robot in Irwin Allen's 1960's, classic TV series "Lost in Space", that he gained worldwide recognition. Catch phrases, "Warning, Warning", "Danger Will Robinson", and "It Does Not Compute", became household sayings the world round and created a worldwide fan base. He reprised his role in the 1998 New Line Cinema feature film of the same name. Another highlight of his life was when he spoke live with Captain Bill McArthur, a Space Shuttle Astronaut, who was spending months at the International Space Station. Captain McArthur credited "Lost in Space" as his reason for becoming an astronaut. But Dick was far more than just a golden voice. He was a gem of a human being. He generously gave to charities and was a man of high ethics and beliefs. He believed in social and racial equality. He had friendships that spanned the globe and lasted decades. An avid collector of Japanese Woodblock Prints, he took great pride and joy in his appreciation of the Masters. Dick loved architecture as well and lived for more than 50 years in a home designed by renowned Modernist Gregory Ain. It's also where he and his wife raised their four children who meant everything to him. Well almost. He was a lifelong Rams fan since their arrival from Cleveland, in 1948. Same with the Dodgers from the moment they arrived from Brooklyn in 1958. But it was Northwestern football that trumped all other teams. A huge fan and a generous donor to the University and it's sports programs, he took great pride when arguably the worst (but smartest!) college football program in America finally played in "The Granddaddy of Them All", the 1996 Rose Bowl against USC. A loyal friend, a loving husband, father, and son, a kind brother, a true pioneer in his field, he was preceded in death by his adoring wife Adrienne. He is survived by sons Bruce (Emily), Craig (Carole), daughters Lynn, Melissa (David Gerber), grandchildren Jason, Amanda, Sammy, Tali, Aiden, and Clara Rose whose love and affection for their grandpa knew no bounds. He is also survived by his brother Howard "Bud" (Carol) Tufeld and two nephews. We were all lucky and blessed to have had Richard touch our lives. An original if there ever was one. Those wishing to do so may contribute to a charity of their choice in his name. Services will be held on Friday, January 27th, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. at Mt. Sinai Hollywood Hills, 5950 Forest Lawn Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90068.