The Cast of Fast Times at Ridgemont High: Then and Now

Ray Walston played Mr. Hand, the stern and suspicious history teacher who viewed every student as a potential slacker — especially Jeff Spicoli. His constant battles with Spicoli gave the film some of its funniest and most iconic exchanges, including the unforgettable pizza-in-class scene.

Walston was already a veteran actor by 1982, known for starring in My Favorite Martian and winning a Tony Award for Damn Yankees. His no-nonsense authority made Mr. Hand one of cinema’s most memorable high school teachers.