"Ronnie Schell (Gomer Pyle USMC)" Topic

'Gomer Pyle: USMC' star Ronnie Schell dead at 94 after decades-long career – Schell also voiced characters in 'The Smurfs' and 'Jetsons: The Movie,' and performed in Las Vegas until his death

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I always liked Duke. I remember seeing Schell in other roles from time to time. I had no idea he got his start as a comedian.

Mr. Schell was the last surviving principal cast member from Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C. He was also the last cast member alive from the classic animated sci-fi action series Battle of the Planets where he voiced G-Force's second-in-command, "Jason".

Before he began his decades-long career in entertainment, he was a member of the U.S. Air Force, which he signed up for right out of high school. He served for four years and discharged as an Airman, First Class. Here he was as he proudly served our country (from his Facebook page):

I also liked his Gomer character, "Duke Slater". It just seemed like a fan could thoroughly enjoy having a meal with either any of the characters he played or the man himself. Also, I don't seem to recall him utter any profanity of any kind through his performances over the years. He was "clean", which made his acting even more memorable.

Godspeed, Mr. Schell, and thank you VERY much for sharing your God-given talent with us and for your service to our country. I salute you, sir.