Ron Foster, a veteran actor who appeared in many films and TV shows, died on February 26, 2015, at the age of 85. He is best remembered for his portrayal of the headstrong Detective Scott Harper in Cage of Evil (1960). But what was the cause of his death and how did he live his life?
Early Life and Career
Ron Foster was born as Ronald R. Foster on February 19, 1930, in Wichita, Kansas. He began his career as a leading man in stock companies, where he was discovered by screenwriter Irna Phillips while appearing in a stage production of Beyond the Horizon. She offered him a contract with Columbia Pictures, and he moved to Hollywood in 1956.
He made his film debut in The Proud and Profane (1956), starring William Holden and Deborah Kerr. He went on to appear in many other films, such as Under Fire (1957), Rockabilly Baby (1957), Cattle Empire (1958), The Music Box Kid (1960), House of the Damned (1963), and The Money Pit (1986).
He also had a prolific career on television, appearing in many popular shows, such as Highway Patrol, Perry Mason, The Outer Limits, Combat!, The Virginian, and G.E. True. He played Lieutenant Durham in the pilot episode of McHale’s Navy, titled Seven Against the Sea, which aired on Alcoa Premiere in 1962. He also had a recurring role as Officer Garvey in Highway Patrol from 1957 to 1959.
Personal Life and Death
Ron Foster was married to actress Joan Taylor, who starred in Earth vs. the Flying Saucers (1956) and 20 Million Miles to Earth (1957). They had two children, Ron Jr. and Barbara. They divorced in 1966, and he later married actress Mary Lou Taylor, who appeared in The Twilight Zone and Alfred Hitchcock Presents. They remained married until his death.
Ron Foster died of non-communicable disease on February 26, 2015, in Placerville, California. He was survived by his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He was cremated and his ashes were given to his family. He was remembered by his fans and colleagues as a talented and versatile actor who could play both heroes and villains with equal skill and charisma.
