Veteran actor Ron Harper, renowned for his iconic roles in television classics such as “Land of the Lost” and “Planet of the Apes,” has passed away at the age of 91.
The sad news was confirmed by his daughter, Nicole Longeuay, who announced that Harper died of natural causes at his residence in West Hills, California, on Thursday.
Longeuay took to social media to share the heartbreaking news, revealing that her father peacefully passed away in his sleep. She disclosed that Harper had been battling Alzheimer’s Dementia in recent years, a struggle that gradually affected his cognitive abilities.
Born on January 12, 1933, in Turtle Creek, Pennsylvania, Harper initially pursued a path in academics, earning scholarships to Princeton University and later a fellowship at Harvard Law School. However, his passion for acting led him to decline the prestigious law school offer and venture into the world of entertainment.
Harper’s television career kicked off with notable roles in series like “87th Precinct,” where he portrayed Detective Bert Kling, and “Wendy and Me,” in which he starred opposite Connie Stevens. He continued to captivate audiences with appearances in “The Jean Arthur Show” and “Garrison’s Gorillas.”
In 1974, Harper secured a pivotal role as astronaut Alan Virdon in the beloved sci-fi series “Planet of the Apes,” a role that cemented his place in television history. Following this success, he graced screens as Uncle Jack in the fantasy adventure series “Land of the Lost,” endearing himself to audiences of all ages.
Reflecting on his legacy, Harper once shared in a 2005 interview his daughter’s fondness for “Land of the Lost,” emphasizing the timeless appeal of the show’s storytelling. His contributions to the entertainment industry will be remembered by generations of fans who have cherished his work over the years.