Ron McLarty — American actor, novelist, playwright and audiobook narrator
Ron McLarty (1947–2020) was an American actor, playwright, novelist and prolific audiobook narrator best known for The Memory of Running and for roles on television and stage.
Ronald William McLarty (April 14, 1947 – February 8, 2020) was an American actor, playwright and novelist whose work spanned stage, screen and audio. He published multiple novels, wrote numerous plays and became widely recognized for his skill as an audiobook narrator. McLarty combined steady acting roles with a quieter but influential literary practice; his 2004 novel, The Memory of Running, brought him renewed attention as a writer.
Early life and education
McLarty was born and raised in East Providence, Rhode Island, and he later studied at Rhode Island College. His early experiences in New England theater shaped a career that moved easily between acting roles and writing for the stage. That dual focus — performer and creator — characterized much of his professional life.
Career
On screen, McLarty appeared in a variety of television series and films across several decades. He is remembered for guest and recurring appearances on shows such as Courage the Cowardly Dog and the detective series Spenser: For Hire. Parallel to his on-camera work he wrote and produced plays that were performed in regional theaters, building a reputation as a reliable character actor and a thoughtful dramatist.
As a novelist he published several books in addition to The Memory of Running, and he is credited with a body of work that includes both fiction and dramatic scripts. His writing often explored themes of memory, identity and the small, quiet moments of everyday life.
McLarty was also an acclaimed audiobook narrator, having recorded well over one hundred titles. His clear, resonant voice and careful pacing won him praise and awards in the audiobook community; listeners and producers sought him for both fiction and nonfiction projects. He brought to narration the same attention to character and rhythm that he used on stage and in print (audiobook narrator).
Selected works and legacy
- Notable novel: The Memory of Running (2004)
- Television: appearances on Spenser: For Hire, Courage the Cowardly Dog and other series
- Stage: dozens of produced plays and regional productions
- Audiobooks: narrator of over 100 titles; recipient of industry honors
McLarty spent his later years continuing to work in New York and elsewhere. He died in New York City on February 8, 2020, at the age of 72, from problems related to dementia. His multifaceted career left an imprint across media: as a character actor on screen, a playwright in regional theaters, a novelist with a devoted readership, and a respected voice in the audiobook field.
Related articles
Author
AlegsaOnline.com Ron McLarty — American actor, novelist, playwright and audiobook narrator Leandro Alegsa
URL: https://en.alegsaonline.com/art/83969
Sources
- hollywoodreporter.com : "Ron McLarty, Actor on 'Spenser for Hire,' 'Cop Rock' and 'Law & Order,' Dies at 72"