Ronnie Schell, the versatile actor known for his comedic work on Gomer Pyle and That Girl, died of natural causes in Los Angeles on Friday, a spokesperson confirmed to Variety. He was 94 years old.
The San Francisco native, known for his work in film, television, and stage, is a comedian who has amassed more than 140 credits during a career that spanned decades.
He is perhaps best remembered for his role as Duke Slater in 92 episodes of Gomer Pyle and three episodes of That Girl with Marlo Thomas. During that period, he appeared on “The Patty Duke Show” and “The Andy Griffith Show.” He co-starred with Goldie Hawn on “Good Morning World.”
Shell’s career as a performer began after he auditioned 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.
In addition to his on-screen work in Fatal Instinct, The Devil and the Red Baron, Schell was also known as a voice actor for The Jets, The Jetsons, Dangerfield, Battle of the Planets, and Goober and the Ghost Chasers. Additionally, he was credited as dialogue coach on Carl Reiner’s 1984 “All of Me.”
His recent appearances include the television shows “See Ya” and “Kaplan’s Corner.” He also starred in the musical comedy “Don’t Leave It All to the Kids!”
Shell is survived by his wife Janet, sons Gregory and Christian, and granddaughter Chiara.
