When fans approach Angela Cartwright, she's never quite sure which iconic role they'll recognize her from. She played Linda on The Danny Thomas Show, Penny on Lost in Space, and Brigitta, one of the singing von Trapp children, in The Sound of Music. Reflecting on her storied career, Angela, now 69, says, "I feel incredibly fortunate to have grown up during such a magical time in Hollywood. Looking back, I don’t have any horror stories—just amazing memories. It was truly a wonderful journey, and I’m so grateful to have been a part of it."
After her time in the spotlight, Angela transitioned into a fulfilling career as a professional photographer and visual artist, all while balancing the roles of wife and mother. She revisits her cherished memories of playing Penny Robinson in Lost in Space with Lost (and Found) in Space 2: Blast Off Into the Expanded Edition, an updated book filled with behind-the-scenes photos and heartfelt reminiscences. Co-written with her TV brother, Bill Mumy, the book dives deep into the experiences and friendships forged on set. "Bill and I have been friends for years," Angela says fondly. "We had an incredible time growing up together on the set of Lost in Space, and our bond has only grown stronger over the years!"
How It All Began
So, how did you end up becoming an actress at such a young age?
It was all about timing and a little bit of luck. We lived in an apartment building where another child was doing commercials. My mom became friends with her mom, and she suggested we meet her agent. We had no clue what show business was back then. Neither did my parents, but they trusted the process and let me give it a shot.
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And it seems like it worked out pretty well for you!
Absolutely! The first job I ever auditioned for, I got it. Then I had the incredible opportunity to star in a movie with Paul Newman, where I played his daughter. Talk about a great start! And after that, I was cast as Linda on The Danny Thomas Show, which was another life-changing experience.
Working with Danny Thomas
What was Danny Thomas like to work with?
Danny was absolutely nothing like my dad. My family is British, and we were all about tea time and quiet evenings. Danny, on the other hand, was robust, loud, gregarious, and incredibly funny. He was a perfectionist who knew exactly what made people laugh. Working with him was such a valuable learning experience. It taught me so much about comedy and the art of performance.
Filming The Sound of Music
Tell us about your experience filming The Sound of Music. What was it like?
Filming The Sound of Music was absolutely magical. I quickly became close friends with Heather Menzies, who played Louisa. We had so much fun together. Austria was breathtakingly beautiful, and Salzburg, where we were shooting, felt like something out of a dream. Running around, singing, and being surrounded by such stunning scenery made the experience unforgettable. Having our families with us on set added another layer of comfort and joy. It was truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Did you get to spend a lot of time with Julie Andrews?
Oh, absolutely! Julie was incredible. She was so much like Maria von Trapp—it really comes across on screen. We all adored her. She brought so much warmth and authenticity to the role.
The Legacy of The Sound of Music
Did anyone have any idea that the movie would become such a timeless classic?
Not at all! You don’t just make a movie and think, 'Oh, this is definitely going to last 60 years.' It’s mind-blowing how popular the film has remained over the decades. What I love most is that it’s never been remade. Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer were just perfect for their roles. There’s a certain edge that Chris brought to the character of Captain von Trapp, which made the movie special and appealing even to people who aren’t big fans of musicals.
Lost in Space: A Show That Captured the Imagination
How old were you when you were cast in Lost in Space?
I was about 13, and we ended up doing three seasons. It was a show that really captured people’s imaginations. At the time, we hadn’t even landed on the moon, but the idea of a family venturing
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