Ronnie Schell, Duke Slater on GOMER PYLE U.S.M.C., Dies at 94

Ronnie Schell, the actor, comedian and voice artist whose career in entertainment spanned more than six decades, died June 12, 2026, at UCLA Hospital in Los Angeles. He was 94.

Born Ronald Ralph Schell on December 23, 1931, in Richmond, California, Schell was a San Francisco Bay Area native and Air Force veteran whose career encompassed television, film, voice acting, stand-up comedy and musical theatre.

Schell's entertainment career began while he was a senior at San Francisco State University. After auditioning as a stand-up comedian at San Francisco's famed Purple Onion nightclub, he was signed for a five-month engagement. He subsequently performed at notable Bay Area venues including the Hungry I, Bimbo's 365 Club and Fack's 11 Jazz Club before expanding his career to major hotel showrooms in Las Vegas, where he continued performing throughout his life.

Over the course of his career, Schell amassed nearly 150 screen credits. He made his television debut on Groucho Marx's YOU BET YOUR LIFE before becoming a familiar face on a number of popular television series.

He was perhaps best known for playing Duke Slater on GOMER PYLE, U.S.M.C., a role he portrayed for five years. His television credits also included GOOD MORNING WORLD, opposite Goldie Hawn, and THAT GIRL, where he played Harvey Peck, THE AGENT of Marlo Thomas' character. Later appearances included GENERAL HOSPITAL, YES, DEAR and Disney Channel's PHIL OF THE FUTURE.

Film and Voice Acting Career

Schell appeared in more than two dozen films, including Disney's GUS, THE SHAGGY D.A., THE DEVIL AND MAX DEVLIN and THE CAT FROM OUTER SPACE, in which he provided THE VOICE of the title feline character. Additional film credits included THE REVENGE OF THE RED BARON and Carl Reiner's FATAL INSTINCT.

As a voice actor, Schell contributed to numerous animated television series and films. His credits included BATTLE OF THE PLANETS, SHIRT TALES, THE SMURFS, GOOBER AND THE GHOST CHASERS, THE JETSONS and ROVER DANGERFIELD. He also appeared alongside Tim Conway in DORF GOES FISHING.

Honors and Recognition

In addition to his work as a performer, Schell became a familiar commercial spokesman and earned recognition for his advertising work, including a national Clio Award for a Kemp's Ice Cream campaign. He also served as spokesperson for the San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit system.

In 2002, Schell received the California Standup Comedy Legend Award and was later inducted into the San Francisco State University Hall of Fame.

In recent years, he appeared in the musical comedy DON'T LEAVE IT ALL TO YOUR CHILDREN!, showcasing his talents as a singer and dancer in addition to his established work as a comedian and actor.

Survivors

Schell is survived by his wife, Janet; sons Gregory and Christian Schell; and granddaughter Chiara.

No services have been announced.