Key facts
- Ronnie Schell, known for his role on "Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C.," died at 94.
- He passed away from natural causes after a recent hospitalization.
- Schell was humorously dubbed "America's Slowest Rising Comedian."
- His career spanned sitcoms, films, voice work, and comedy club performances.
- He is survived by his wife, two sons, and a granddaughter.
Ronnie Schell, an actor and comedian best known for his role as Marine Pvt. Duke Slater on the 1960s sitcom "Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C.," died Friday at the age of 94. His death was attributed to natural causes at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, where he had been hospitalized following a recent fall.
Schell was humorously tagged with the moniker "America's Slowest Rising Comedian" by San Francisco radio personality Don Sherwood, a label he embraced, noting that many of his contemporaries achieved early success while he found steady work over a longer career. He played opposite Jim Nabors for three seasons on "Gomer Pyle" before leaving to star in his own sitcom, "Good Morning, World," which was short-lived. He later returned to "Gomer Pyle" for its final season.
Born in Richmond, California, Schell served in the U.S. Air Force before pursuing entertainment. He honed his comedy skills at San Francisco venues like the Purple Onion and the hungry i, and performed in Las Vegas for over four decades. His television guest credits include appearances on "The Andy Griffith Show," "The Patty Duke Show," "The Love Boat," and "The Golden Girls." He also lent his voice to animated characters in "Peter Puck" cartoons and other shows, and had numerous film roles.
Schell's career also included writing and performing sketches for Don Sherwood's media programs. He advised actor Richard Dreyfuss on comedy for the 2019 Netflix film "The Last Laugh." He is survived by his wife, Janet Rodeberg, sons Gregory and Christian, and granddaughter Chiara.