Celebrity

Renowned actor Ron Harper, star of ‘Land of the Lost’ and ‘Planet of the Apes’, passes away at 91

Matthew Hart
Mar 26, 2024
As news of Harper's passing spread, tributes poured in from fans near and far, reflecting on his impactful contributions to the entertainment world and the cherished memories he leaves behind. Source: Getty Images.

Ron Harper, renowned for his iconic portrayals in timeless classics such as Land of the Lost and Planet of the Apes, has sadly passed away at the age of 91.

His daughter, Nicole Longeuay, confirmed Harper died of natural causes in his home in West Hills, California on Thursday, March 21.

“It’s with a heavy heart that I must share the news of my father’s passing… He laid his head down to rest and never woke up again,” Longeuay wrote on social media as reported by Extra.

“Although it was not public knowledge, Alzheimer’s Dementia started to take his mind from him years ago, it’s hard to believe he is physically gone now too.

“I know he’ll be watching over all of us, until we meet again.”

Born on January 12, 1933, Harper’s journey into acting commenced when he pursued his passion for the dramatic arts under the mentorship of the legendary Lee Strasberg.

After serving in the US Navy, Harper returned to the bustling streets of New York, where he carved his niche in the world of theatre. His breakthrough came as the understudy to the iconic Paul Newman in the Broadway sensation Sweet Bird of Youth in 1959.

Venturing into the glitzy realm of Hollywood, Harper’s star continued to rise with captivating performances in iconic television series such as Tales of Wells Fargo, The Tall Man, and memorable appearances in classics like Laramie and Wagon Train. His versatility shone through as he graced the small screen in soap operas and captivated audiences with his roles in beloved series like Planet of the Apes and Land of the Lost.

Beyond television, Harper’s talent transcended mediums, leaving a lasting mark on the silver screen with memorable roles in films like Below Utopia, The Odd Couple II, and The Poughkeepsie Tapes.

As news of Harper’s passing spread, tributes poured in from fans near and far, reflecting on his impactful contributions to the entertainment world and the cherished memories he leaves behind.

Harper is survived by his daughter, son-in-law Daniel, granddaughters Ronnie and Harper, his ex-wife Shirley, and his first spouse Sally Stark.

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