‘Planet Of The Apes’ Star Ron Harper Passes Away At 91

Ron Harper, renowned for his role in “Planet of the Apes,” has passed away at the age of 91. He died at his West Hills home on Thursday of last week due to natural causes, his daughter Nicole Longeuay informed The Hollywood Reporter.

Harper’s career spanned several decades, particularly noted for his work in television. His journey into acting began after he completed his education, including studying at Princeton University and then at Harvard Law School; however, he chose to pursue acting over a career in law.

Harper’s early acting career saw him appearing in stage productions, which eventually led to roles on the small and big screens. His first major TV role was as Dr. Jack Dane in “87th Precinct” (1961-1962), but he gained more recognition for his roles in “Wendy and Me” (1964-1965), where he starred alongside George Burns and Connie Stevens, and as the lead in “Garrison’s Gorillas” (1967-1968), a World War II action-adventure series.

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“I’ve been acting all my life…my mother told me that when I was just a wee bear and she took me to church and put me in a Manger because I played the Christ child in a Christmas Pageant…I loved acting all my life,” Harper said in a 2005 interview.

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However, one of his most notable roles came in 1974, when he starred in the television series adaptation of “Planet of the Apes” as astronaut Alan Virdon. The series, based on the popular film franchise, was a significant part of his career, even though it only lasted for one season. It solidified his place in the world of science fiction and fantasy television.

Beyond “Planet of the Apes,” Harper continued working in television through the 1970s and 1980s, with appearances in various shows including “The Waltons,” “Cannon,” and “The Love Boat.” He also appeared in the film “Below Utopia” (1997) with Alyssa Milano and Ice-T, showcasing his adaptability to different genres and eras of Hollywood.

Despite not having the most extensive filmography, Ron Harper’s work, especially in “Planet of the Apes,” left a lasting impression on fans of the series and the science fiction genre.