Ron Harper, a native of Turtle Creek, Pennsylvania, a small town situated east of Pittsburgh, achieved remarkable academic feats, culminating in his status as valedictorian of his senior class, which earned him an esteemed academic scholarship to Princeton University. At Princeton, he not only excelled in his studies but also showcased his theatrical talents by appearing in numerous plays and musical comedies. His academic prowess subsequently earned him a fellowship to study law at Harvard University, but the allure of the performing arts proved too great, and he instead chose to study with the renowned Lee Strasberg in New York.
Harper's acting career took a brief hiatus when he served in the United States Navy, primarily stationed in Panama. Upon his return to New York, he continued to hone his craft, eventually landing a role as Paul Newman's understudy in the stage production of "Sweet Bird of Youth". As his reputation grew, Hollywood beckoned, and Harper began to appear in a succession of television series, including "87th Precinct" in 1961, "The Jean Arthur Show" in 1966, "Wendy and Me" in 1964, "Garrison's Gorillas" in 1967, and the iconic "Planet of the Apes" in 1974.
Following his appearance in "Apes", Harper secured roles in several soap operas and made guest appearances on various television shows. Today, he resides in California, having built a long and storied career in the entertainment industry.
