Ronald Long

Ronald Long was an English actor born on 30 January 1911 in London, England, who built a notable career primarily in American television during the mid-twentieth century. Before making his way to the United States in the late 1940s, Long honed his acting skills on the prestigious stage of the Old Vic Theatre in London. His transition to American television proved successful, as he became a familiar face in numerous popular shows throughout the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s. One of his most significant and longest-running roles was that of Evans Baker on the CBS daytime soap opera Love of Life, where he appeared for four consecutive years. In addition to his television work, Long made notable contributions to Broadway theater, taking on roles such as the police inspector in the drama A Pin to See the Peep Show (1953) and Dr. Blimber in the comedy Nature's Way (1957). His theatrical background gave him a versatility that translated well into the demanding world of television acting.

Long made his film debut in Two Loves (1961) and went on to carve out a niche for himself with character roles in several iconic 1960s sitcoms, including Get Smart, Hogan's Heroes, I Dream of Jeannie, and Green Acres. He was particularly active in Bewitched, where he appeared in several roles, including a memorable portrayal of Henry VIII. Long also made notable guest appearances on Perry Mason, appearing three times in the series, and featured in other beloved shows such as Alfred Hitchcock Presents, Lost in Space, Batman, The Time Tunnel, The Man From U.N.C.L.E., Mission: Impossible, Mannix, and Columbo. Beyond his acting career, Long appeared in a humorous Stan Freberg advertisement for Sunsweet Pitted Prunes, playing the role of a picky eater. He passed away at the age of 75 on 23 October 1986 in Burbank, California, leaving behind a legacy of memorable performances across stage and screen.