Ronnie Schell, the versatile actor known for his comedic work in “Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C.” and “That Girl,” died Friday in Los Angeles of natural causes, his publicist confirmed to Variety. He was 94.
Known for his work in film, TV and on stage as a comedian, the San Francisco native amassed over 140 credits over the course of his decades-spanning career.
He is perhaps best remembered for his run of ’60s shows, from starring in 92 episodes of “Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C.” as Duke Slater to three episodes of “That Girl” alongside Marlo Thomas. During that time period, he made appearances on “The Patty Duke Show” and “The Andy Griffith Show.” He co-starred with Goldie Hawn on “Good Morning World.”
Schell’s career as a performer started after auditioning for San Francisco’s Purple Onion nightclub while he was still a senior at San Francisco State University. He also enlisted in the Air Force.
Beyond his on-screen work, which included roles in “Fatal Instinct,” “The Devil and Max Devlin” and “The Revenge of the Red Baron,” Schell was known as a voice performer for “Cat from Outer Space,” “Jetsons,” “Rover Dangerfield,” “Battle of the Planets” and “Goober and the Ghost Chasers.” Additionally, he was credited as a dialogue coach on 1984’s “All of Me,” directed by Carl Reiner.
His most recent appearances included the TV shows “See Ya” and “Kaplan’s Korner.” He also starred in the musical comedy “Don’t Leave it All to Your Children!”
Schell is survived by his wife Janet, sons Gregory and Christian and a granddaughter, Chiara.