Ronald “Ronnie” Ralph Schell, best known for playing Duke Slater on the popular 1960s sitcom “Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C.,” died Friday, June 12. He was 94.
The actor died of natural causes at UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles, his representative confirmed to USA TODAY.
Schell got his start in entertainment as a stand-up comedian while a senior at San Francisco State University and later performed at supper clubs around the country. He made his television debut in 1959 on “You Bet Your Life,” the quiz show hosted by Groucho Marx.
In 1964, he landed the role of Marine Pvt. Duke Slater, the best friend of the title character on “Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C.” Three years later, he starred opposite Goldie Hawn in the CBS sitcom “Good Morning World.” His other television credits included “That Girl,” “General Hospital,” “Yes, Dear” and Disney’s “Phil of the Future.” He also appeared in more than two dozen films, including “The Revenge of the Red Baron” and “Fatal Instinct.”
He also continued voice acting work, including a role in the 2022 film “Toomie: The Hungry Tumor,” “Jetsons: The Movie” and “Battle of the Planets.”
Schell is survived by his wife, Janet; sons Gregory and Christian; and granddaughter Chiara.
