Ron Harper (actor)

Ronald Robert "Ron" Harper (born January 12, 1936) is an American television and film actor.

Life and career

Harper was born in Turtle Creek in Allegheny County near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the son of Mabel Grace (Champion) and George Harper. Harper became valedictorian of his senior class and won an academic scholarship to Princeton University in New Jersey, where he supplemented his academic studies by appearing in a number of plays and musical comedies, before moving to New York City, 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 the Tennessee Williams play Sweet Bird of Youth in 1959. Moving to Hollywood, his first role was in 1960 in the NBC western series Tales of Wells Fargo starring Dale Robertson. Steady television guest appearances followed, including a spot on NBC's The Tall Man. In December 1960, Harper appeared in the episode "Duel at Parkison Town" of NBC's Laramie. He also appeared in soap operas, including CBS's Where the Heart Is and Love of Life.