The Malibu Times reports the death of actor Paul Mantee on 7 November 2013. Born in San Francisco, California, on 9 January 1931, he majored in journalism at San Mateo Junior College, then served in the U.S. Navy for four years during the Korean War.
He worked, mostly anonymously, for quite a while in Hollywood, but that early lack of success turned to his good fortune when a new face was sought for the starring role in 1964’s Robinson Cruse on Mars. He became perhaps best known for playing Detective Al Corassa on television’s Cagney & Lacey (1983-88).
His other genre roles include: Something Was Out There (2006), Apollo 13 (1995), Lurking Fear (1994), Death Ray 2000 (1981), Buck Rogers in the 25th Century (1980), Logan’s Run (1978), The Manitou (1978), Day of the Animals (1977), The Fantastic Journey (1977), The Six Million Dollar Man (1977), Gemini Man (1976), Helter Skelter (1976), Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea (1968), The Invaders (1967), The Time Tunnel (1967), and two episodes of Batman (1967).
His acting career wound down in the 1990s (his last credited role is in 1998’s Memorial Day). In his later years, he wrote for various local publications (including The Malibu Times), and published two novels with Ballantine Books: In Search of the Perfect Ravioli (1991) and Bruno of Hollywood (1994).
He is survived by his fourth wife, Suzy Davis Mantee.
I remember watching Paul in Robinson Crusoe on Mars in brilliant technicolor back in the early days of science-fiction. It was complete with the War of the Worlds Invader ships too to juice it up. A Bee movie that aspired to greatness and I still remember it fondly and its attempt to modernize the old Robinson Crusoe tale. Paul will be sorely missed and my heart goes out and my sympathies to any of his loved ones. http://johnpirilloauthor.blogspot.com/