Ronald Dennis Death, Obituary – A talented Broadway dancer who had a long career went away on December 17th. He was 78. After making his Broadway debut alongside Pearl Bailey in Hello, Dolly!, Mr. Dennis became an iconic figure in 1975 when he was cast in the role of the original Richie “Gimme the Ball” Walters in the musical A Chorus Line. A special award from Theatre World was given to Mr. Dennis for his performance in A Chorus Line, which was notable for the athletic and happy movement style that he is known for.
Mr. Dennis also starred on Broadway in Micki Grant’s landmark productions of Don’t Bother Me, I Can’t Cope, and My One and Only, among other productions. Throughout the entirety of the 1980s, he was a common sight on the national tour circuit, appearing in tours of Bob Fosse’s Pippin and Dancin’, as well as playing the role of Jacob in the first national tour of La Cage Aux Follies. He also reprised his role in A Chorus Line while it was on the road during this time.
Don’t Grab the Gown Til You See the Gurney was a one-man autobiographical act that Mr. Dennis created and performed later in life. After receiving a diagnosis of AIDS in 1984, Mr. Dennis became an outspoken supporter of causes that benefit those affected by the disease. He served on the Broadway Cares Advisory Council, and was the Senior Advisor for the Black Men’s HIV Medication Adherence Board at APLA/Project Rise. Mr. Dennis’s brother George, his nieces and nephews, as well as his friends and chosen family, are among those who will carry on his legacy. Instead of sending flowers, his family has asked that you consider making a contribution to the organization Broadway Cares. The new year will see the announcement of plans for simultaneous life celebrations to be held in both New York and Los Angeles.