Ron Glass is dead at the age of 71. The Emmy-nominated ‘Barney Miller’ star had been suffering from various illness prior to his death. Respiratory failure has been reported as the cause of Glass’s death.
Jeffrey Leavitt, Glass’s agent, released a statement following the actor’s passing. “Ron was a private, gentle and caring man. He was an absolute delight to watch on screen. Words cannot adequately express my sorrow.”
Glass was born in Evansville, Indiana where he attended the University of Evansville and graduated with a double major in Drama and Literature. One of Ron Glass’s first acting jobs was as Huckbuck in ‘Sanford and Son’ opposite the legendary comedian Red Foxx.
In 1975 the actor was cast as Det. Ron Harris on the iconic 1970s comedy ‘Barney Miller’ opposite Hal Linden. He was nominated for an Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actor during his time on the series which ended in 1982. Glass’s ‘Barney Miller’ co-stars included Abe Vigoda [Sgt. ‘Fish’ Phillip Fish], Jack Soo [Sgt. Nick Yemana], Steve Landesberg [Sgt. Arthur Dietrich] and Max Gail [Det. Stan ‘Wojo’ Wojciehowicz].
A new generation of television watchers discovered Glass in 2002 when he portrayed Shepherd Book in ‘Firefly.’ Ron Glass lent his voice to the Nickelodeon cartoon ‘Rugrats’ as Randy Carmichael in 1993 until 2001.
Former ‘Firefly’ co-star Nathan Fillion paid tribute to Glass, posting a couple of lines from the television series. Using a classic line from the series, Fillion wrote, “We love you, Ron Glass. Don’t go far.” Alan Tudyk, another ‘Firefly’ co-star wrote, “His laugh was beyond infectious and his generosity was ever present.”
In Glass’s hometown, the Evansville Police Department also paid tribute to the actor. “Evansville’s ‘most famous detective’ passed away earlier today. Rest In Peace, Ron Glass.” The police department reminded fans that the detective shield carried by Glass in ‘Barney Miller’ is on display at the Evansville African American Museum.
We offer our sincerest condolences to the family and friends of the Emmy-nominated Ron Glass.
