Ron Harper (actor)

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Ron Harper was born on January 12, 1936 in Turtle Creek, a small town just east of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

[edit] Acting career

Harper became valedictorian of his senior class and won an academic scholarship to Princeton University, where he supplemented his academic studies by appearing in a number of plays and musical comedies. He then headed to New York where he studied with Lee Strasberg.

After serving in the US Navy, Harper returned to New York. After several disappointments he earned a job as Paul Newman's understudy in "Sweet Bird of Youth". Hollywood soon beckoned and he appeared in a succession of TV series during the 1970's; "87th Precinct", "The Jean Arthur Show", "Wendy and Me", "Garrison's Gorillas", "Planet of the Apes" [1] and the third season of "Land of the Lost." [2] He then embarked on a successful acting career as a secondary supporting actor.

His first role was in the television series Tales of Wells Fargo, in 1960. This was followed by steady guest appearances on television series throughout the 1960's. Later, Harper appeared in several soap operas and guest-starred on various TV shows during the 1970's, 1980's, 1990's and up to 2006. He now lives in California, and continues to act. His latest film performance was Touched (2005). [3]