A Chorus Line thespian Ronald Dennis dies, age 78, after prolonged illness

dailymail.co.uk:

Retired Broadway veteran Ronald Dennis Watson died, age 78, on Saturday at 9:20pm after a prolonged illness while surrounded by family and friends.'We would like to thank the many doctors and nurses who have cared for him over the years,' his representatives told Broadway World last Sunday.'But especially the entire staff at [Canyon Trails Assisted Living and Memory Care in Canoga Park, CA] who have given him such personal care over the past year.' RIP: Retired Broadway veteran Ronald Dennis Watson died, age 78, on Saturday at 9:20pm after a prolonged illness while surrounded by family and friends (pictured in 2021) The Ohio-born, LA-based actor made his Broadway debut in 1967 as a dancer in Hello, Dolly!

starring Pearl Bailey before originating the role of Richie 'Gimme the Ball' Walters in A Chorus Line in 1975.Ronald played the aspiring kindergarten teacher-turned-dancer in the off-Broadway production at The Public Theater, the Broadway production at the Shubert Theatre, the US tour, and he received a special Theatre World award in 1976.The Twitter account for the late EGOT champ Marvin Hamlisch, who composed the music for A Chorus Line, reacted to the news on Monday.'We are saddened to hear about the passing of Ronald Dennis, the original Ritchie in A Chorus Line,' Hamlisch's rep tweeted.

The Ohio-born, LA-based actor made his Broadway debut in 1967 as a dancer in Hello, Dolly! starring Pearl Bailey before originating the role of Richie 'Gimme the Ball' Walters in A Chorus Line in 1975 (pictured) Ronald played the aspiring kindergarten teacher-turned-dancer in the off-Broadway production at The Public Theater, the Broadway production at the Shubert Theatre, the US tour, and he received a special Theatre World award.