Herman Raymond `` Ray '' Walston ( November 2 , 1914 -- January 1 , 2001 ) was an American actor and comedian , best known as the title character on `` My Favorite Martian '' .
Ray Walston ( Herman Raymond Walston ; November 2 , 1914 -- January 1 , 2001 ) was an American actor and comedian . He was known for his role as Uncle Martin O'Hara in the television series `` My Favorite Martian '' .