Where To Watch
Here's the thing: Rod Serling didn't really like being the narrator of The Twilight Zone
He was the voice of The Twilight Zone, but he would have rather just been a writer.
Rod Serling left quite a legacy in Hollywood. His passion for writing, creating characters, and exploring new dimensions was shared with his many fans during his time on The Twilight Zone from 1959 to 1964.
He was the face of this strange new world, constantly guiding us through The Twilight Zone and braving its conditions to share his imagination with viewers at home. In fact, when The Twilight Zone is mentioned, it's impossible not to hear his voice or the iconic theme song in our heads.
However, his success in the series sometimes came with a cost. Serling had to deal with many issues during his time as a writer, executive producer, and narrator on the series. From fighting for his right to write, to censorship and syndication, he was dealing with much scarier problems than those seen on The Twilight Zone.
According to a 1963 interview with The Sacramento Bee, Serling said one of the many issues he faced during his time on the series was his dislike of being the narrator and host of The Twilight Zone.
"My wife says I come over on the television screen looking like a constipated prize fighter," Serling said.
"That's because there's nothing on camera with me to compare me with," Serling continued. "But there I am, five feet, five inches of solid gristle. I really don't like to do the hosting. I do it by default. I have to."
According to the interview, Serling knew a thing or two about being a fighter. He was once a Golden Gloves boxer weighing in at 121 pounds, as well as a paratrooper in the Pacific during World War II.
As for his "constipated prize fighter" title... well, his wife had a reason for the comparison.
"I just tense up terribly before going before the cameras," Serling said. "If I had to go on live, of course, I'd never do it. It's like boxing, I'm the only fighter in history who had to be carried both into and out of the ring."
The Twilight Zone was like Serling's baby. He felt like he was the only one who could narrate the series he created in the way he wanted, but that doesn't mean he liked to do it.
Serling became infamous due to his voice, presence, and opening narration for each episode of The Twilight Zone. He was the face of the fifth dimension. Most importantly, he was proud of what he created.
"Fame is short lived," Serling said. "One year after this show goes off the air, they'll never remember who I am. And I don't care a bit. Anonymity is fine with me. My place is a writer."
Little did he know the legacy he'd be leaving behind as the voice and face of The Twilight Zone. It's safe to say that decades after his show ended, he's still remembered.
Watch The Twilight Zone on MeTV!
Weeknights at 11:30 PM
Sundays at 11:30 PM
*available in most MeTV markets
Related
15 Comments
It's the only time that Serling interacts with the characters in the story.
"Well, that's the way it goes."
