Ronnie Schell, Actor on 'Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C.' and 'That Girl,' Dies at 94
Ronnie Schell, the actor and comedian best known for playing Pvt. Duke Slater on the 1960s CBS sitcom 'Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C.,' died Friday of natural causes at UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles at age 94. Schell began his career as a stand-up comedian at San Francisco's Purple Onion nightclub while still a senior at San Francisco State University, and went on to accumulate nearly 150 television and film credits over a career spanning six decades. His death marks the loss of a versatile character actor and voice performer who remained active in Las Vegas comedy shows until the end of his life.
Ronald Ralph Schell, born December 23, 1931, in Richmond, California, died Friday at UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles of natural causes, his publicist confirmed. He was 94. Best known for playing the wisecracking Marine Pvt. Duke Slater — best friend to Jim Nabors' title character — across 92 episodes of 'Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C.' from 1964 to 1969, Schell also had a recurring role as agent Harvey Peck on 'That Girl' alongside Marlo Thomas, and co-starred with a then-unknown Goldie Hawn in the short-lived CBS sitcom 'Good Morning, World.' A veteran of the U.S. Air Force, Schell launched his entertainment career at San Francisco's Purple Onion nightclub and later performed at prestigious Las Vegas venues for more than four decades. Beyond live-action roles, he was a prolific voice actor, lending his voice to animated projects including 'Jetsons: The Movie,' 'Rover Dangerfield,' 'The Smurfs,' and the beloved 'Peter Puck' hockey education cartoons that aired on NBC during NHL broadcasts in the 1970s. He is survived by his wife Janet, sons Gregory and Christian, and granddaughter Chiara.
What different sources said
- DeadlineCenter
Ronnie Schell Dies: ‘Gomer Pyle: USMC’ Actor Was 94
- The Hollywood ReporterCenter
Ronnie Schell, Actor on ‘Gomer Pyle: USMC,’ Dies at 94
- VarietyCenter
Ronnie Schell, ‘Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C.’ and ‘That Girl’ Actor, Dies at 94
- UPICenter
'Gomer Pyle,' 'That Girl' star Ronnie Schell dies at 94
- USA TodayCenter
Ronnie Schell, 'Gomer Pyle' actor, dies at 94
- New York PostRight
Ronnie Schell, ‘America’s Slowest Rising Comedian,’ dead at 94
Related
David Hockney, Celebrated British Artist, Dies at 88
British artist David Hockney has died at the age of 88, prompting reflection on his prolific career and his final creative years spent in Normandy, France. Known for his iconic California swimming pool paintings, Hockney spent the Covid-19 lockdowns in rural France, producing 220 iPad drawings that were exhibited as a 91-metre-long frieze at the Musée de L'Orangerie in Paris. His death marks the loss of one of the most influential and technically adventurous artists of the 20th and 21st centuries.
America at 250: Conservative Voices Debate the State of Higher Education and Shared Culture
Two opinion pieces published ahead of America's 250th anniversary argue that foundational American ideals are under threat — one focusing on the ideological drift of universities away from merit and civic education, the other on the erosion of a common national culture that once bridged class divides. Both pieces are written from a conservative perspective and appear in right-leaning outlets. The arguments reflect a broader debate about what American institutions should preserve or restore as the nation marks a major milestone.
North Melbourne Holds On for One-Point Win Over West Coast as Waterman Hits the Post in Final Seconds
North Melbourne defeated West Coast Eagles 10.14 (74) to 10.13 (73) at Optus Stadium on Saturday, with Eagles forward Jake Waterman hitting the post from a set shot with 42 seconds remaining. The Kangaroos led by 20 points early in the final quarter before West Coast kicked the last three goals in a dramatic fightback driven by Jobe Shanahan. The result leaves West Coast at 4-10 heading into the bye, while North Melbourne improves to 6-7 and remains in the wildcard race.