American television and film actor Ronald Robert Harper died at his home in West Hills, Los Angeles on March 21, 2024, at the age of 91.
Ron Harper served in the US Navy, after which he returned to New York. He earned a job as Paul Newman’s understudy in the Broadway play Sweet Bird of Youth in 1959 after several disappointments. His first role in Hollywood was in 1960 for the NBC television series Tales of Wells Fargo. Steady television guest appearances followed, including a role on NBC’s series The Tall Man.
In December 1960, he appeared in the episode “Duel at Parkison Town” of NBC’s Laramie, and three years later in its episode “Edge of Evil”. Also, in December 1960, he appeared in Wagon Train (S4, Ep12, The River Crossing).
Ron Harper appeared in soap operas, including CBS’s series Where the Heart Is and Love of Life. He appeared as a regular performer in several television series, including Planet of the Apes, and as Uncle Jack for the third season of Land of the Lost. His movie credits included roles in Below Utopia (1997), The Odd Couple II (1998), Freedom Strike (1998), Glass Trap (2005) and The Poughkeepsie Tapes (2007).
Ronald Robert Harper was born in Turtle Creek, Pennsylvania, near Pittsburgh to George Harper and Mabel Grace Champion. After making straight A’s at Turtle Creek High School, he went to Princeton University, where he was a member of the University Players. He was offered a fellowship to study law at Harvard but chose instead to study acting under Lee Strasberg.
Ron Harper is survived by his one child whose name is not revealed. He was married to Sally Stark.
Source: Ghanafuo.com
