Ron O’Neal was an American actor, director, and screenwriter. He was catapulted to fame following his appearance in the film ‘Super Fly.’
As of 2024, Ron O'Neal's net worth is estimated to be $1,000,000.
| Net Worth | $1,000,000 |
| Famous Name | Ron O'Neal |
| Source(s) of Fame | Actor |
| Date of Birth | September 1, 1937 |
| Place of Birth | Utica, New York, United States of America |
| Age At Death | 66 |
| Date of Death | January 14, 2004 |
| Cause of Death | Pancreatic Cancer |
| Height | 6'1" |
| Relationships | Divorced, Carol Tillery Banks, (1973 - 1980)Married, Audrey Pool, |
Ron O’Neal was born on 1st September 1937 in Utica, New York to parents Ernest and Eunice O’Neal. He was raised in Cleveland,Ohio and attended Glenville High School. Unfortunately, at the age of 16, Ron’s father passed away and merely six months later his elder brother who worked as a truck driver died in an accident. His mother picked up a second job in order to sustain her family. On completing high school, Ron joined the Ohio State University and developed an interest in acting after going to see the play ‘Finian’s Rainbow.’ After a semester at the university, Ron dropped out of school and joined Karamu House where he was cast in the plays ‘Kiss Me, Kate,’ ‘A Raisin in the Sun,’ and ‘A Streetcar Named Desire.’ At the time,he worked as a painter to earn a living and sustain himself.
In 1964, Ron moved to New York and landed a job as an acting teacher at the Harlem Youth Art Program. He took the opportunity to explore the New York theatrical scene by appearing in off-Broadway plays. in 1969, Ron appeared in his first Broadway play ‘Ceremonies in Dark Old Men.’ Later that year he was cast in the award-winning play ‘No Place to be Somebody.’ He immediately caught the attention of producers and fans alike and won an Obie Award, a Drama Desk Award and a Clarence Derwent Award. Ron took the opportunity to move into film and secured two small parts in the movies ‘Move’ and ‘The Organisation.’ Seeing his on-screen ability, his friend Philip Fenty contacted him suggesting he star in an all-black film with a story line around a drug dealer. Despite the film being a budget film, it was an instant hit at the box office and a sequel to the film was released soon after. Ron took the opportunity to work as a director on the film and broaden his expertise. Unfortunately, the sequel did not do half as well as the original. Due to his successful debut as a drug dealer Ron had trouble finding roles that allowed him to portray stronger characters. The criticism around the first film also held him back, overshadowing his talent .
In 1975, Ron returned to Broadway with a starring role in the play ‘All Over Town.’ He continued to work in theatre with appearances in a number of Shakespeare plays like ‘MacBeth’ and ‘The Taming of Shrew.’ In 1977 things began looking up for Ron and he was cast in the movie ‘Brothers.’ He then proceeded to book roles in the TV movie ‘Brave New World’ and the series ‘The Sophisticated Gents.’ Business was once again picking up for Ron and he made numerous guest appearances on TV before finally landing roles on the series’ ‘The Equalizer,’ ‘Red Dawn’ and A Different World.’ In 1986,he appeared in the reunion film ‘Original Gangstas.’ His next opportunity at directing came in 1991 when he worked on the drama ‘Up Against A Wall.’
Ron married his first wife Carol Tillery Banks in November of 1973 but the couple divorced in 1980. He once again found love in Audrey Pool and the pair tied the knot in 1993. They remained together until his death in 2004.
Ron died on the 14th of January 2004 following a four year battle with pancreatic cancer.
Ron is inactive on all social media platforms.
Ron O’Neal was a talented American actor and film director. Unfortunately, for the most part of his career the controversy surrounding his debut film overshadowed his talent. He had a net worth of $1 million.
Ron O'Neal has sometimes been associated with other Actors such as Pumwaree Yodkamol, Shin Do Hyun, Cachupoy, Scott Bailey, Bonnie Rotten, Francesca James, Park Ji Hoo, Doris Younane, and Bailey Patrick.