RAY WALSTON - AUTOGRAPHED INSCRIBED PHOTOGRAPH - HFSID 311941

RAY WALSTON
The actor signs his name to a fan in black ink on this very early vintage 3½x5¾ candid photograph acquired from the collection of Francis and Violet Zane, shown wearing a suit and tie
Inscribed photograph signed: "To Violet/You're a/real flower./Ray Walston", in black ink, very early B/w 3½x5¾. In 1950, Ray Walston (1914-2001) portrayed Luther Billis in the touring and London companies of South Pacific, leading to a major role in Rodgers and Hammerstein's Me and Juliet in 1953. He won the 1956 Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical for the part of Mr. Applegate (The Devil) in Damn Yankees, a role he recreated in the 1958 movie version. He also recreated his role of Luther Billis in the 1958 movie version of South Pacific. Walston's movie appearances include The Apartment, Paint Your Wagon, The Sting, Popeye and Fast Times at Ridgemont High (as Mr. Hand, also in the TV series). He starred in the title role on the TV series My Favorite Martian (1963-1966) and appeared in the 1999 film version. He received Emmy Awards in 1995 and 1996 for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for the role of Judge Henry Bone on David E. Kelley's first TV drama, Picket Fences. Walston was a frequent guest star on television shows in the 1990's ranging from the role of Boothby in Star Trek: The Next Generation and Star Trek: Voyager to appearances on Touched by an Angel and 7th Heaven. This photograph is from the collection of Francis and Violet Zane, Hawaii natives who moved to California in the 1920's. Francis Zane had a job at the historic Curran Theater and the San Francisco Opera House, which is where he began his massive collection, with photographs and materials ranging from the 1920's to 1960's. The location and luck of his occupation would land him smack dab in the middle of the celebrity world, allowing him to capture some of the most unique and interesting pieces of Hollywood History. Slightly toned. Pencil note (unknown hand) on verso. Fine condition.