ACTOR · BORN 1937
Gary Lockwood
- Born
- 21 February 1937
13 archived facts 3 topics 1 source Last reviewed Sep 2026
All facts (13)
- #001
While appearing in Star Trek's second pilot episode, 'Where No Man Has Gone Before,' in 1966, Gary Lockwood had to wear heavy silver contact lenses for his character. The lenses were quite thick and heavy, with only a small hole in each one that allowed him just enough vision. Lockwood said wearing them was extremely difficult and claimed they were responsible for the vision problems he experienced in later years. The experience remains one of the most unusual challenges of his career.
- #002
Gary Lockwood entered the entertainment world by working as a stunt double and standing in for the famous actor Anthony Perkins. The experience he gained during this period gave him the chance to learn the set environment up close and to build a solid foundation for his acting career. Being the stand-in for a figure as significant as Perkins was one of his first important connections in the industry, and it enabled his transition into the world of acting.
- #003
One of Gary Lockwood's most memorable television performances came in the 1969 'Love, American Style' episode 'Love and the Phone Booth/Love and the Doorknob.' In the episode he played a man who is told his mouth is too small; while trying to test the claim, he accidentally gets his mouth caught and stuck on a doorknob. The episode, which also featured his then-wife Stefanie Powers, is regarded as one of the most unforgettable moments for both Lockwood and the series.
- #004
One of the unusual incidents in Gary Lockwood's career involves the famous actress Tuesday Weld, who once tried to run him over with a car. The event has gone down in Hollywood history as an extraordinary anecdote showing how tense the relationship between the two was. Fortunately, Lockwood escaped the incident unharmed and continued his career without further trouble.
- #005
Before beginning his acting career, Gary Lockwood studied at UCLA on an American football scholarship. His athletic background gave him discipline and physical endurance, qualities that later proved advantageous in action scenes and physical roles. This experience from his university years held an important place in both his personal development and his professional life.
- #006
Gary Lockwood is still remembered today for his role as the astronaut Frank Poole in Stanley Kubrick's 1968 masterpiece '2001: A Space Odyssey,' one of the most important productions in cinema history. The film is regarded as one of the groundbreaking works of science fiction cinema, and Lockwood's performance created one of its unforgettable characters. Working under Kubrick's visionary direction was one of the most important turning points of his career.
- #007
Gary Lockwood's stage name actually comes from the middle name of the famous director Joshua Logan. Lockwood's real surname was Yurosek, and because no one could pronounce it, Logan gave him his own middle name. In an interesting coincidence, a generation later Lockwood's daughter, the actress Samantha Lockwood, became close friends with the actor Billy Lockwood, who is related to the man who gave Gary his first job. This connection is an interesting example of how intertwined the relationships between families can become.
- #008
Gary Lockwood appeared on screen alongside the new Enterprise captain, Kirk, in Star Trek's second pilot episode, 'Where No Man Has Gone Before' (1966). The episode aired after 'The Cage,' the series' first pilot, in which Jeffrey Hunter played Captain Christopher Pike. After this experience, Lockwood attended many Star Trek conventions over the years and met with fans. In 2002 he also attended the Trek Expo held in Tulsa, Oklahoma, continuing his presence at these events.
- #009
Frank Poole, the character Gary Lockwood played in '2001: A Space Odyssey,' learns of Star Trek's success in Arthur C. Clarke's novel '3001: A Final Odyssey.' This ironic situation is an amusing detail showing how connected science fiction universes can be. Lockwood's presence in both Star Trek and 2001 placed him at the intersection of these two great science fiction productions.
- #010
Throughout his career, Gary Lockwood successfully played bully characters in western and police series, in contrast to his boyish face. These roles allowed him to display his acting ability and to become recognized by audiences of the genre. By appearing steadily in such productions over the years, he became a reliable name in that field.
- #011
Gary Lockwood is the grand-nephew of the famous theater and film director Joshua Logan. Logan made significant works on Broadway and in Hollywood and was also influential in Lockwood's career. This family tie provided Lockwood with an important reference and support as he took his first steps in the industry.
- #012
From his marriage to the actress Denise DuBarry, Gary Lockwood had a daughter named Samantha Lockwood. Like her father, Samantha pursued an acting career and made a name for herself. Because both father and daughter are active in the entertainment industry, their relationship has at times drawn public interest.
- #013
Gary Lockwood gave an interview about the 1962 film 'The Magic Sword' for Tom Weaver's book 'Creature Feature Creators' (McFarland & Co., 2025). The book gathers conversations with creative figures who worked in the horror and science fiction genres. Lockwood's interview offers valuable information about the film's production process and his own experiences.
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