Actor Mark Goddard is probably better known as Major Don West, the character he played in the 1960s TV series “Lost in Space.” He acted on the show from 1965-1968.
While he may be most famous for “Lost in Space,” that’s far from his only acting role. Other notable credits include “The Detectives,” “Johnny Ringo,” and “Blue Sunshine.”
Now, both Goddard’s wife, Evelyn Pezzulich, and his former “Lost in Space” co-star, ” Bill Mumy, have confirmed the sad news that Goddard has died. He was 87 years old. His cause of death was pulmonary fibrosis.
In a Facebook post, Pezzulich explains that her late husband “passed away on October 10th.” She continued, “Several days after celebrating his 87th birthday, he was hospitalized with pneumonia. We were hopeful when he was transferred to a rehabilitation center, but then doctors discovered he was in the final stages of pulmonary fibrosis for which there is no cure.”
Pezzulich shared that Goddard died “peacefully and with dignity.” She added, “His children and I had the chance to express our love and say our goodbyes. I’ll never know how I deserved to spend 33 years with such a loving, gentle, handsome man who made me laugh so often.”
Farewell to Mark Goddard (1936-2023), who played LOST IN SPACE’s Don West like he was one drink away from throwing Dr. Smith overboard. In many ways, he was the most narratively consistent character on the show. #RIPMarkGoddard #LostInSpace pic.twitter.com/6hRqAwWnbR
— Will McKinley (@willmckinley) October 13, 2023
Mumy also broke the news of Goddard’s death via Facebook. He wrote, “R.I.P. to Mark Goddard. A truly beloved friend and brother to me for 59 years. I knew this was coming for the past few months. Shortly after a great phone chat he and I had on his 87th birthday in late July, I became aware that I would most likely never see or speak with him again. The last words we exchanged were ‘I love you.’”
While Goddard was certainly a talented actor, and even dropped out of high school to purse an acting career, that wasn’t his only passion. In 1991, he actually made a complete career change. He spent 20 years working as a special education teacher.
Goddard was married three times. His first marriage was to Marcia E Rogers from 1961 to 1969. They had two children together, but their marriage ultimately ended in divorce.
His second marriage was to Susan Anspach from 1970 to 1978. They had one child together, but their marriage also ended in divorce.
Goddard’s final marriage was to Pezzulich. The couple married in 1990 and remained married for the rest of Goddard’s life. They had one child together. Goddard is survived by Pezzulich and his children.
