Enrico Bellati, the Flying Man, also known as Bob Wilson (from Phoenix) is played by Bill Irwin. He first comes to town in the episode 3.9 Get Real and falls in love with Marilyn. Bob doesn't speak but Marilyn understands everything he says. He tries to get Marilyn to come with him but she refuses. She doesn't want to be just known as the Flying Man's girlfriend, she wants to be home in Cicely. Bob returns with the New Perception Players (guest stars Mummenschantz) in the episode 4.6 On Your Own. He has suffered a broken foot but it is healing. He once again attempts to romance Marilyn. He speaks out loud telling her he loves her. Marilyn understands why he doesn't speak - she says "if birds could talk, they couldn't fly."

Bill Irwin received five Tony award nominations and won numerous awards for his original work, Largely New York. Bill's credits include Fool Moon, Waiting For Godot with F. Murray Abraham, Steve Martin, and Robin Williams, Texts For Nothing, George Wolfe's production of The Tempest, Accidental Death of an Anarchist, and 5-6-7-8 Dance! His Television credits include choreographing and directing the Closing Ceremonies of the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, appearances on "Northern Exposure," "Saturday Night Live," "The Tonight Show," and HBO's "Bette Midler." Bill's feature films include A Midsummer Night's Dream with Michelle Pfeiffer, My Blue Heaven, Scenes from a Mall, and Silent Tongue. Recently Bill starred opposite Jim Carrey in The Grinch Who Stole Christmas. (From BroadwayTP.org)

One of my favorite Bill Irwin moments is his appearance in the "Don't Worry, Be Happy" video with Robin Williams.

More on what Bill Irwin has been up to - Updates 1996 - 1999.

Regard of Flight with Bill Irwin

PLAYING MORE THAN THE CLOWN, BILL IRWIN HAS STARRED ON STAGE, IN CIRCUSES AND EVEN ON TV - The St. Louis Post-Dispatch, 9/27/92

Beckett beckons: Broadway headliner Bill Irwin stages his take on the playwright in 'Texts for Nothing' - Seattle Times, 4/29/02

(top)