Ron Harper was an American actor who is best known for his roles in Planet of the Apes, 87th Precinct, and Garrison’s Gorillas.
Personal and Family Life
Ron Harper was born in Turtle Creek, Pennsylvania, and became a straight-A student, earning a scholarship to Princeton University. He started acting in plays while studying there and later moved to New York to pursue acting after serving in the US Navy. He was married to Sally Stark from June 1, 1974, until their divorce, and they had one child together.
Career
After facing early challenges, Harper landed a role as Paul Newman’s understudy in “Sweet Bird of Youth,” which helped him enter the Hollywood scene. He appeared in various notable TV series, including “Planet of the Apes” in 1974. Besides his television work, he acted in multiple soap operas and made guest appearances on various shows.
Death and Legacy
Ron Harper passed away on March 21, 2024, in West Hills, California, due to natural causes. His contributions to television and film, especially in science fiction series, have left a lasting impact on fans and the entertainment industry.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Glass Trap | 2005-08-02 | Henry ‘Hank’ Conlon |
| Farewell to the Planet of the Apes | 1980-11-21 | Alan Virdon |
| Treachery and Greed on the Planet of the Apes | 1980-11-19 | Alan Virdon |
| Life, Liberty and Pursuit on the Planet of the Apes | 1980-11-20 | Alan Virdon |
| Pearl Harbor | 2001-05-21 | Minister |
| Drink | 2014-01-01 | Gray |
| Back to the Planet of the Apes | 1980-11-17 | Alan Virdon |
| The Soldier | 1982-06-01 | Head of CIA |
| The Odd Couple II | 1998-04-09 | Jack |
| Uncorked | 2009-11-12 | Reverend Whitting |
| Below Utopia | 1997-09-26 | Jack Beckett |
| The Poughkeepsie Tapes | 2007-04-27 | Mike Moakes |
| Temporada salvaje | 1971-01-01 | Steve Blaine |
| The Forgotten City of the Planet of the Apes | 1980-11-18 | Alan Virdon |
| Patterns | 1955-01-12 | |
| Planet of the Apes | 1974-09-13 | Alan Virdon |
| Beverly Hills, 90210 | 1990-10-04 | |
| Another World | 1964-05-04 | |
| Where the Heart Is | 1969-09-08 | |
| Capitol | 1982-03-26 | |
| Two Guys and a Girl | 1998-03-10 | |
| Remington Steele | 1982-10-01 | Dr. Roger Chandler |
| Garrison’s Gorillas | 1967-09-06 | |
| Boy Meets World | 1993-09-24 | |
| Cold Case | 2003-09-28 | Joe Bosquay (2008) |
| Love of Life | 1951-09-24 | |
| Walker, Texas Ranger | 1993-04-21 | Eddie |
| Cannon | 1971-09-14 | |
| The Tall Man | 1960-09-10 | |
| 87th Precinct | 1961-09-25 | Detective Bert Kling |
| The Big Valley | 1965-09-15 | Eric Abbott |
| Wendy and Me | 1964-09-14 | |
| The Deputy | 1959-09-12 | |
| The Jean Arthur Show | 1966-09-12 | |
| Night Stand with Dick Dietrick | 1995-05-26 | |
| Kenan & Kel | 1996-08-17 | Ron Harper |
| Wagon Train | 1957-09-18 | Lt. Bevins |
| Thriller | 1960-09-13 | Younger Thug |
| Melrose Place | 1992-07-08 | Pilot |
| The West Wing | 1999-09-22 | Chairman |