Ron Harper, a veteran actor whose television career spanned numerous decades, passed away at the age of 91 in West Hills, CA. His daughter, Nicole Longeuay, confirmed his death to The Hollywood Reporter.
Hailing from Pennsylvania, Harper’s journey in entertainment began after serving in the U.S. Navy and studying at Princeton. He honed his craft in New York City, where he served as Paul Newman’s understudy in the Broadway production of Sweet Bird of Youth before transitioning to television in Los Angeles.
Harper’s television credits are diverse and extensive, starting with roles in NBC’s Tales of Wells Fargo in 1960 and later appearing in shows like Wagon Train, Shotgun Slade, and 87th Precinct, where he portrayed Det. Bert Kling across multiple episodes.
His notable roles included stints in Garrison’s Gorillas, Where the Heart Is, and Planet of the Apes. Harper also made his mark in daytime dramas, starring as Taylor Holloway in Another World and as Charles Hartman in Loving. In 1990, he joined Generations as Peter Whitmore, further showcasing his versatility.
Among his later credits are appearances in Pearl Harbor and a role as a chairman in The West Wing.
Ron Harper’s legacy in television entertainment is marked by his versatility, dedication, and memorable performances across a wide range of roles and genres. He leaves behind a lasting impact on the industry he contributed to for many years.
