Retired Broadway veteran Ronald Dennis Watson died at 9:20 p.m. Saturday at the age of 78 surrounded by family and friends after a prolonged illness.
“We want to thank the many doctors and nurses who have taken care of him over the years,” his reps told Broadway World last Sunday.
‘But especially all the staff [Canyon Trails Assisted Living and Memory Care in Canoga Park, CA] who have looked after him so personally over the past year.’
RIP: Retired Broadway veteran Ronald Dennis Watson died at 9:20pm on Saturday at the age of 78 after a prolonged illness surrounded by family and friends (pictured in 2021).
The Ohio-born, LA-based actor made his Broadway debut as a dancer in 1967’s Hello, Dolly! starring Pearl Bailey before taking on the role of Richie ‘Gimme the Ball’ Walters in 1975’s A Chorus Line.
Ronald played the aspiring kindergarten teacher-turned-dancer in the Off-Broadway production at The Public Theatre, the Broadway production at Shubert Theatre, the US tour and received a special Theater World Award in 1976.
The Twitter account of the late EGOT champion Marvin Hamlisch, who composed the music for A Chorus Line, responded to the news on Monday.
“We are saddened by the passing of Ronald Dennis, the original Ritchie on A Chorus Line,” said Hamlisch’s rep tweeted.
The Ohio-born, LA-based actor made his Broadway debut as a dancer in 1967’s Hello, Dolly! with Pearl Bailey before taking on the role of Richie ‘Gimme the Ball’ Walters in 1975’s A Chorus Line (pictured)
Ronald played the aspiring kindergarten teacher-turned-dancer in the Off-Broadway production at The Public Theatre, the Broadway production at Shubert Theatre, the US tour and received a special Theater World Award in 1976
“We’re sad to hear”: The Twitter account of the late EGOT champion Marvin Hamlisch, who composed the music for A Chorus Line, responded to the news on Monday
“Today we’re going to step up in his honor and belt out ‘Gimme That Ball’.”
At 5ft2in was Dennis’ [once] said I was too short and too dark-skinned to work on Broadway. I have broken through that blanket of darkness.’
Enthusiastic about her pets and orchid plants, the tiny triple menace has also appeared in productions of Pippin, Dancin’, La Cage Aux Follies, Showboat, Don’t Bother me I Can’t Cope and My One and Only.
In addition, Ronald worked in television throughout the 1970s, guest-starring on episodes of NBC’s Chico and the Man, ABC’s Baretta, and ABC’s Welcome Back, Kotter.
5ft 2 in Triple Threat: Dennis has also appeared in productions of Pippin (pictured), Dancin’, La Cage Aux Follies, Showboat, Don’t Bother me I Can’t Cope and My One and Only
Good genes: The ‘Don’t Grab The Gown Til You See the Gurney’ screenwriter – whose mother Lillian Watson (R, pictured in 2019) died in 2020 aged 98 – is survived by his brother George, nieces and nephews , and chosen family
He was a member of the Advisory Board: Ronald – who was diagnosed with HIV in 1984 – would like memorials to be donated to Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS
Dennis – whose mother Lillian Watson passed away in 2020 at the age of 98 – is survived by his brother George, nieces and nephews and a chosen family.
The Don’t Grab The Gown Til You See See the Gurney screenwriter – who was diagnosed with HIV in 1984 – has wanted memorials donated to Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS since he served on the advisory board.
Ronald was also the Senior Advisor to the HIV Medication Adherence Board for Black Men at APLA/Project Rise.
Dennis’ life celebrations are taking place in LA and New York City and will be announced next year.