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Actor Ron Glass dies aged 71

Emmy Griffiths
TV & Film Editor
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Emmy-award nominee Ron Glass has sadly passed away aged 71.

The actor, who was best known for roles including Ron Harris in cop comedy Barney Miller and Sheppard Derrial Brook in sci-fi show Firefly, passed away from respiratory failure on Saturday. His agent, Jeffrey Leavett, confirmed the sad news to The Associated Press. He said: "Ron was a private, gentle and caring man. He was an absolute delight to watch on screen. Words cannot adequately express my sorrow. "

ron glass 1© Photo: Getty Images

The actor died on Saturday

Another friend wrote on Facebook: "My Buddhist Brother and Friend, Ron Glass passed away last night. I had called him 11/15/16 to find out how he is doing since it’s been a few months since I had seen him last and his nurse said he was not up to talking. I called back on 11/16/16 and said to the nurse: 'let him know that I love him and really care.'" He continued to speak fondly of his friend, concluding: "I will miss his voice, smile, kindness: but most of all his good looks. On to the next journey my silver fox!"

firefly© Photo: Rex

Ron was well known for his role on Firefly

Former colleagues of the actor took to Twitter to pay tribute. Samuel L. Jackson wrote: "It was an Honor & a Pleasure to work with the Amazing Ron Glass! RIP, Sir!" while Agents of SHIELD actor Clark Gregg spoke about their time together on the sci-fi show, in which Ron was a guest star, writing: "Thank you to the legend #RonGlass for bringing Phil back & for answering 1000 geeky questions about #BarneyMIller & #Firefly #RIP." The actor received a best supporting actor Emmy nominated for his work on Barney Miller in 1982, and also appeared in guest roles on shows including Murder, She Wrote, Friends and The Twilight Zone. 

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