Ronald Dennis Obituary, Death – The iconic Broadway star Ronald “Ronnie” Dennis Watson passed suddenly at 9:20 p.m. on December 17, 2022, after a protracted struggle with illness. He died away peacefully amidst the company of his family and friends. At that point in time, he was only 78 years old. Those who will carry on his legacy include his brother George, his nieces and nephews, as well as a great number of friends and members of the Chosen Family who had the good fortune to be a part of his exceptional life and energy. “would like to thank the many physicians and nurses who have cared for him over the years,” his agents said in a statement. “but especially the full staff at Canyon Trails who have given him such personal care over the course of the past year.”
Pearl Bailey was the director of the production of Hello Dolly that Ron was in during his first appearance on the Great White Way in the 1960s. This marked the beginning of a career that has now spanned a number of decades since its inception. After originating the role of Richie “Gimme the Ball” Walters in the first Broadway production of A Chorus Line, which gained him instant stardom, he was accorded the title of icon almost immediately after it was bestowed upon him. Showboat, Don’t Bother Me I Can’t Cope, My One and Only, La Cage Aux Folles, Pippin, and Dancin were some of the other musicals that were presented on Broadway or by touring companies. Other musicals that were performed include Pippin and Dancin. Another one of his triumphs was the creation and performance of the autobiographical one-man show titled “Don’t Grab the Gown Til You See the Gurney,” which he also starred in.
After moving to Los Angeles, he started appearing as a guest star on a variety of different television shows, some of which include Laverne & Shirley, Chico & the Man, Baretta, and Welcome Back, Kotter. In addition to this, he has appeared as himself in other documentaries, one of which is called Broadway Beyond the Golden Age. The fight against AIDS was one of the causes that Ron cared much about. He was a member of the Broadway Cares Advisory Council, where he was responsible for raising both money and publicity at a time when both were extremely vital. In lieu of flowers or other forms of remembrance, the family requests that you please consider sending a donation to the Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS organization. https://broadwaycares.org/