Ronald Dennis, the Broadway performer who indelibly performed dancer “Richie Walters” within the authentic 1975 solid of A Refrain Line and launched one of many present’s musical highlights in “Gimme The Ball,” died Dec. 17 following a prolonged sickness. He was 78.
A longtime advocate for AIDS consciousness and charities after being recognized HIV-positive in 1984, Dennis served on the Broadway Cares Advisory Council, and was the Senior Advisor for the Black Males’s HIV Medicine Adherence Board at APLA/Challenge Rise.
Dennis had already appeared on Broadway as a dancer in 1964’s Good day, Dolly! starring Pearl Bailey and Micki Grant’s 1972 Don’t Hassle Me, I Can’t Cope when his signature function got here into his life. As Richie in A Refrain Line, Dennis recounts how he virtually grew to become a kindergarten trainer earlier than opting to comply with his dream of dancing.
Along with the unique staging, Dennis carried out the function in touring productions, and was among the many casts of such touring productions as Pippin, Bob Fosse’s Dancin’ and La Cage Aux Follies. He additionally carried out a solo autobiographical present known as Don’t Seize The Robe Til You See the Gurney.
Along with his stage work, Dennis had a handful of TV credit within the Nineteen Seventies after relocating from New York To Los Angeles, together with Welcome Again Kotter, Chico and the Man, Laverne & Shirley and Baretta.
Dennis is survived by brother George, in addition to nieces, nephews and lots of buddies. In lieu of flowers, the household requests donations to Broadway Cares/Fairness Fights Aids. Based on the web site Broadway World, celebrations of life will likely be held in Los Angeles and New York within the new 12 months.
