USMC' Actor Was 94
The Hollywood Reporter • • entertainment
Key Points:
- Ronnie Schell, known for his role as Duke Slater on the 1960s CBS comedy Gomer Pyle: USMC, died at age 94 from natural causes in Los Angeles.
- Schell was also a prolific voice actor, notably voicing Peter Puck, an animated character who explained NHL hockey rules on NBC in the 1970s.
- He toured as a stand-up comedian, opening for acts like The Kingston Trio, and appeared in various TV shows and Disney films throughout his career.
- Schell began his comedy career while in the U.S. Air Force and was discovered by a manager who also represented Jim Nabors, leading to his casting on Gomer Pyle.
- Beyond acting, Schell performed in Las Vegas for over 40 years and served as the honorary mayor of Encino, California.