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Ronnie Schell, 'Gomer Pyle' Best Friend and 'Slowest Rising Comedian,' Dies at 94
The veteran character actor was best known as Duke on the 1960s sitcom and had nearly 150 TV credits, his family said.
- Ronnie Schell, the prolific character actor best known for playing Duke Slater on the 1960s sitcom "Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C.," died Friday at 94 of natural causes at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles.
- Born in 1931, Schell began his career as a stand-up comedian before landing his signature role as the friendly Duke on the hit series "Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C." from 1964 to 1969.
- With nearly 150 television credits, Schell also appeared in more than 24 films and performed his comedy act in Las Vegas for over 40 years, showcasing versatility beyond his sitcom work.
- His extensive resume included the sitcom "Good Morning World" alongside Goldie Hawn and roles on "The Patty Duke Show," while he also provided voice-over work for animated series like "The Smurfs."
- Publicist Harlan Boll confirmed Schell is survived by his wife, Janet, sons Gregory and Christian, and granddaughter Chiara. His family shared the news in a Facebook post celebrating his seven-decade career.
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Ronnie Schell, ‘America's Slowest Rising Comedian,’ dead at 94
Ronnie Schell, who played the best friend to the title character on the 1960s sitcom “Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C.” and whose gradual ascendancy in show business earned him the title of “America’s Slowest Rising Comedian,” died Friday. He was 94.
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Total News Sources33
Leaning Left12Leaning Right6Center7Last UpdatedBias Distribution48% Left
Bias Distribution
- 48% of the sources lean Left
48% Left
L 48%
C 28%
R 24%
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