Ronnie Schell

Ronnie Schell, born Ronald Ralph Schell on December 23, 1931, is an American actor and stand-up comedian. He gained recognition for his appearance on the TV quiz show You Bet Your Life, hosted by Groucho Marx, where he showcased his comic skills with a barrage of beatnik jive talk. Schell started his career as a stand-up comedian at the hungry i nightclub in San Francisco. However, he is best known for his role as Duke Slater in the 1960s television show Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C. Schell served four years in the United States Air Force before pursuing acting. In Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C., he portrayed Duke Slater, a Marine private and best friend of Gomer Pyle, for three seasons and later returned as a corporal for the show's fifth and final season.