#11: Ray Walston brought veteran presence to the classroom
While much of Fast Times featured newcomers, Ray Walston was already a well-established name when he stepped in as Mr. Hand. Audiences knew him from My Favorite Martian, where he played the title character, and he carried the mix of authority and sharp comedic timing that made his clashes with Spicoli so memorable.
Before his television fame, Walston had already proven himself onstage, winning a Tony for his work in the theater. And long after Fast Times, he continued to earn critical acclaim, picking up two Emmy Awards in the 1990s for his role on Picket Fences, rounding out a long and varied career.