'Gomer Pyle: USMC' star Ronnie Schell dead at 94 after decades-long career
"Gomer Pyle: USMC" star, Ronnie Schell, died at the age of 94 on Friday.
The actor died in the early morning hours at UCLA Hospital, of natural causes, according to a press release obtained by Fox News Digital.
Schell first appeared onscreen as a contestant on Groucho Marx's game show, "You Bet Your Life," later landing starring roles in "Gomer Pyle: USMC" and "Good Morning World."
He went on to have a long career in both movies and television, appearing in a number of shows, including "Here We Go Again," "The Dick Van Dyke Show," "Sanford and Son," "The Golden Girls" and many others.
In addition to his on-screen roles, Schell was also a prolific voice actor, lending his voice to projects such as "The Smurfs," "Jetsons: The Movie," "Captain Caveman and the Teen Angels" and others.
Most recently, Schell appeared as a guest performer on "General Hospital," "Yes, Dear" and Disney’s "Phil of the Future," as well as the musical comedy "Don’t Leave it All to You Children!"
Born in Northern California in December 1931, Schell found his passion for acting after serving four years in the Air Force, while studying at San Francisco State University. He auditioned and was signed for a five-month-long gig as a stand-up comedian at the famed San Francisco comedy club, the Purple Onion.
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The five-month gig led to him booking gigs in other clubs throughout San Francisco, before he moved on to Las Vegas, Nevada, where he continued to perform until his death.
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Throughout his many years in the industry, Schell received the first California Standup Comedy Legend Award, and was also inducted into San Francisco State’s Hall of Fame.
Schell is survived by wife Janet and two children, Gregory and Christian, and one granddaughter, Chiara.