The entertainment world has lost a versatile and cherished actor, Ron Harper, who left an indelible mark on Hollywood with his diverse roles across the silver screen and television.

Harper, best known for his role in the iconic Planet of the Apes TV series, passed away at 91 due to natural causes at his home in the United States, leaving behind a legacy that spans the golden age of television to the modern era of daytime dramas.



Before Harper became a household name, he served his country in the U.S. Navy, a testament to his dedication and versatility.

His journey to stardom began in the bustling streets of New York City, where he honed his craft on Broadway as Paul Newman’s understudy in Sweet Bird of Youth.



Harper's move to Los Angeles, California, marked a turning point as he transitioned to television with a role in NBC’s Tales of Wells Fargo in 1960.

His talent quickly caught the attention of casting directors, leading to appearances in popular shows such as Wagon Train, Shotgun Slade, and 87th Precinct, where he portrayed Detective Bert Kling across multiple episodes.

One of Harper's most memorable roles was as Alan Virdon, an astronaut in the 1974 television adaptation of Planet of the Apes.

His career continued to flourish with regular gigs on Garrison’s Gorillas and Where the Heart Is, showcasing his ability to adapt to various genres and characters.



The 1980s saw Harper transition into daytime dramas, a genre that would benefit greatly from his seasoned acting chops.

He took on the role of Taylor Holloway in Another World and later joined the cast of Loving as Charles Hartman. His foray into this realm continued into the 1990s with his portrayal of Peter Whitmore in Generations.

Harper's filmography also included memorable appearances in films such as Below Utopia, The Odd Couple II, and Glass Trap.

His versatility allowed him to navigate genres effortlessly, from thrillers like The Poughkeepsie Tapes to historical dramas like Pearl Harbor, where he showcased his range and depth as an actor.

Even in his later years, Harper continued to captivate audiences, with his final role in Kidnapped: The Hannah Anderson Story in 2015, before retiring from an illustrious career spanning five decades.



Born on January 12, 1933, in Turtle Creek, Pennsylvania, Harper was not only a talented actor but also a brilliant student.

He attended the prestigious Princeton University and was even offered a chance to study at Harvard Law School.

However, his passion for acting led him to forgo a career in law, a decision that would shape his life and the entertainment industry in profound ways.



Harper's dedication to his craft was evident in his own words from 1966, when he reflected on his decision to pursue acting.

'I kept saying to myself, “Should you waste your good education being an actor?”’ he said.

‘And that little voice within me kept saying things like, “What do you want to take that fellowship to Harvard Law for? Be an actor. Starving is fun.”’'

‘And like the fool that any actor has to be, I listened to that dumb little voice.’

He is survived by his daughter Nicole Longeuay, son-in-law Daniel, granddaughters Ronnie and Harper, and his ex-wife Shirley, as well as the countless fans who will remember him for his contributions to the world of entertainment.

You can watch one of Harper’s scenes from Planet of the Apes below:


Ron Harper's passing is a significant loss to the arts community, but his work will continue to inspire and entertain future generations.

May he rest in peace.