Ronnie Schell Dies: 'Gomer Pyle: USMC' Actor Was 94

Ronnie Schell's death at 94 marks the passing of a versatile TV actor who became a familiar face in American comedy. He died of natural causes at UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles, according to family statements. Born Ronald Ralph Schell on December 23, 1931, in Richmond, California, he began his show-business career while a senior at San Francisco State University, auditioning at the Purple Onion as a stand-up comic. His early work led to a steady stream of guest spots and later a defining role on Gomer Pyle: USMC from 1964 to 1969 as Duke Slater, a friendly foil to Jim Nabors’ Gomer.