Spencer Milligan, a cherished figure in the world of children’s television, particularly known for his role in the 1970s series “Land of the Lost,” has passed away at the age of 86. His obituary revealed that he died peacefully at his home in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, on April 18. The cause of his death remains private at this time.
Born in 1937 in Oak Park, Illinois, Milligan was drawn to the entertainment world from an early age, beginning with magic tricks in grade school. He later refined his acting skills at prestigious venues including the Goodman Theatre in Chicago, the Joan Darling Actors Workshop in Los Angeles, and the Lee Strasberg Senior Workshop in New York.
Milligan’s acting career was distinguished by a variety of roles, from a gunslinger to a grief-stricken father, spanning national commercials, television series like “The Bionic Woman,” “Quincy M.E.,” and “Gunsmoke,” and feature films. However, it was his portrayal of Ranger Rick Marshall in “Land of the Lost” that cemented his legacy.
Aloha Spencer Milligan, one of the great TV dads. pic.twitter.com/EFZe2KUyYB
— Your Canadian GirlFriend (@YourCanadianGF) June 26, 2024
The show, which aired from 1974 to 1976, featured the Marshall family navigating a prehistoric world filled with dinosaurs and mysterious creatures. Milligan’s role as the protective father and leader was instrumental in the first two seasons, making the show a staple of classic children’s TV, celebrated for its creative storytelling and advanced-for-its-time special effects.
Despite his career success, Milligan remained deeply connected to Sturgeon Bay, where he was an influential figure in the local theater community. For over two decades, he focused on teaching and directing at Third Avenue Playworks (TAP), leaving a lasting impact through productions such as “Tennessee Williams: The One-Act Plays.”
WATCH:
"*" indicates required fields
Milligan’s personal life was equally fulfilling. He met his wife, Kerry, in Sturgeon Bay in August 1991, and they married in December 2002. He often spoke of their meeting as the most significant event of his life. Milligan leaves behind his wife, godchildren Andee Solis, Hilary Williams, and Spencer Williams, as well as a wide circle of friends and mentees in the arts community.
His former co-stars from “Land of the Lost,” Wesley Eure and Kathy Coleman, paid tribute to Milligan on social media. Eure mentioned the difficulty of accepting the news, stating, “This is a video we didn’t want to have to make. We heard rumors, and finally it was confirmed. Not an easy day.” Coleman added, “He was a true father to us all. Thank God we got to see him one last time and spend some really beautiful moments with him. He was a great man. I really truly believe that. He will be missed.”
Milligan’s legacy as an actor, director, and mentor continues to resonate through his contributions both on screen and in his local community.