Spencer Milligan, known for his role in the 1970s series ‘Land of the Lost,’ has died at age 86. The actor also appeared in numerous TV shows and films throughout his career.
Bollywood Fever: Spencer Milligan, best known for his role in the 1970s Saturday morning series “Land of the Lost” from Sid & Marty Krofft, has passed away at the age of 86. An obituary on the Huehns Funeral Home website announced that he died on April 16, though no further details were provided.
Born on September 10, 1937, in Oak Park, IL, Milligan was active in local theater during the 1960s before serving a tour in the Army. His screen career began with a small role as a head-change specialist in Woody Allen’s 1973 futuristic comedy “Sleeper,” which also starred Diane Keaton. He later appeared in the 1974 films “The Man from Clover Grove” and “The Photographer,” the latter of which he also served as an associate producer.
Milligan’s breakthrough role came in 1974 when he was cast as Rick Marshall in the Krofft brothers’ hybrid live-action/stop-motion sci-fi/adventure series “Land of the Lost.” The show followed Rick and his children, Will and Holly (played by Wesley Eure and Kathy Coleman), as they navigated an alternate world ruled by dinosaurs. The series became a cult classic, known for its campy, low-budget style. Milligan starred in the first two seasons from 1974-76 before his character accidentally escapes the Land of the Lost, leaving his children behind. The show continued for one more season with a new adult lead.
The enduring popularity of “Land of the Lost” led to a 1990s revival series featuring Timothy Bottoms and a 2009 feature film starring Will Ferrell, Danny McBride, and Anna Friel, though the latter was panned and received a Razzie award.
Following his departure from “Land of the Lost,” Milligan continued to make regular TV appearances throughout the next decade. He guest-starred on popular series such as “Gunsmoke,” “Baretta,” “McCloud,” “The Bionic Woman,” “Alice,” “The Dukes of Hazzard,” “Vega$,” “Hardcastle & McCormick,” and “Quincy, M.E.” He also had a seven-episode arc as Ray Gibbons on “General Hospital” in 1987.
Milligan’s TV movie credits include starring as a New York Jets quarterback accused of murder in “The Keegans” (1976) and roles in “Terror Among Us” and “Alcatraz: The Whole Shocking Story” in the early 1980s.
After retiring from television, Milligan dedicated his time to teaching and directing stage plays in his adopted hometown of Sturgeon Bay, WI.
He is survived by his wife, Kerry Milligan, and godchildren Andee Solis, Hilary Williams, and Spencer Williams. The family requests that donations in his name be made to The Actor’s Fund.
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