Ron Penfound was an American actor who is best known for his role in “The Rifleman” and for hosting the “Captain Penny” TV show. He was born on January 28, 1927, in Elyria, Ohio, and passed away on September 16, 1974, in Naples, Florida.
Personal and Family Life
Ron Penfound was born to Archie and Marjorie (Saywell) Penfound. He started his education at Kenyon College, where he studied alongside famous actor Paul Newman. Later, he transferred to the University of Denver to pursue a degree in broadcasting.
Career
Penfound began hosting the “Captain Penny” TV show on WEWS-TV in Cleveland, Ohio, on March 2, 1955. The show featured episodes of the Three Stooges and Little Rascals and ran for 16 years. He also made a guest appearance on Chuck Connors’ show “The Rifleman,” where he received a walk-on role, which helped him gain more exposure in the industry.
Death and Legacy
Ron Penfound passed away from lung cancer on September 16, 1974, in Naples, Florida. Despite his relatively short career, he left a lasting impact on children’s television through his engaging hosting of “Captain Penny” and his memorable performances.
Filmography
| Title | Role | Year | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Rifleman | Mr. Smith | 1962 | TV Series |