San Francisco comedy legend Ronnie Schell of ‘Gomer Pyle: USMC’ dies at 94
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“Gomer Pyle: USMC” star Ronnie Schell died Friday at the age of 94.
The actor died of natural causes at UCLA Hospital in the early morning hours, according to a press release obtained by Fox News Digital.
Schell first appeared as a contestant on Groucho Marx’s game show “You Bet Your Life” and later went on to star in the films “Gomer Pyle: USMC” and “Good Morning World”.
He has had a long career in both films and television; He has appeared in many TV series, including “Here We Go Again”, “The Dick Van Dyke Show”, “Sanford and Son”, “The Golden Girls” and many more.
Air Force veteran and actor Ronnie Schell died Friday at the age of 94. (Bobby Bank/WireImage)
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In addition to his on-screen roles, Schell was a prolific voice actor, lending his voice to projects such as “The Smurfs,” “The Jetsons: The Movie,” “Captain Caveman and the Teen Angels” and others.
Schell most recently starred in “General Hospital,” “Yes, Dear” and Disney’s “Phil of the Future,” as well as the musical comedy “Don’t Leave it You Children!” He appeared as a guest actor in films.
Born in Northern California in December 1931, Schell discovered his passion for acting after serving four years in the Air Force while attending San Francisco State University. He auditioned and signed for a five-month gig as a stand-up comedian at the famous San Francisco comedy club Purple Onion.
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Schell starred opposite Goldie Hawn in “Good Morning World.” (CBS Photo Archive/Getty Images)
Five months of gigging led to him booking gigs at other clubs in San Francisco before moving on to Las Vegas, Nevada, where he continued to perform until his death.
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During his many years in the industry, Schell received the first California Standup Comedy Legend Award and was also inducted into the San Francisco State Hall of Fame.
Schell recently guest-starred on Disney Channel’s “Jessie.” (Disney Channel via Adam Taylor/Getty Images)
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Schell is survived by his wife Janet, two children named Gregory and Christian, and a grandchild named Chiara.
