Ron Dean, the beloved Chicago-born actor best known for his roles in âRisky Business,â âThe Breakfast Club,â and âThe Fugitive,â has passed away at the age of 87. His longtime partner, Maggie Neff, confirmed the news to Variety and People on Wednesday, October 8, sharing that Dean passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 5. The cause of death has not been disclosed.
âRon and I were kindred spirits,â Neff told People. âOur connection was instantaneous and remained so for nearly four decades. The love between us was unconditional and permanent. We locked horns many times over the years, but there was never any question that we would be there for each other in our hour of need. And we always were.â
Neff shared that Dean waited until his beloved sisters could say their goodbyes before passing. âHe hung on like a warrior to say goodbye to his little sisters,â she said. âThen we were alone, and in my arms, I held his hand, and he trusted me when I told him that it was alright to let go. What an honor.â
Remembered for His Grit & Heart
Director Andrew Davis, who worked with Dean on multiple films, including “The Fugitive,” remembered him fondly. âRon Dean was my dear friend and a tremendous actor,â Davis told Deadline.
âHe was the essence of what Chicago talent represented. Having a very troubled youth, Ron turned his life around to have a wonderful career as a loving, decent human being and respected talent.â
Dean was often praised for his authenticity, his deep connection to his Chicago roots, and his ability to bring heart to roles in blue-collar and law enforcement settings. A Reel Chicago obituary called him âa tough-as-nails character actorâ who âcarried the heart of his hometown in all of his roles.â
A Career Spanning Five Decades
Born in Chicago, Deanâs acting career began in the 1970s. He often portrayed cops, detectives, and working-class Chicagoans â a niche that made him a favorite among casting directors. One of his earliest notable roles was in the 1983 film “Risky Business,” starring Tom Cruise, where he played a detective.
He reunited with Cruise in “The Color of Money” (1986) and “Cocktail” (1988), in which he portrayed Cruiseâs uncle. Dean also appeared in John Hughesâ coming-of-age classic “The Breakfast Club,” playing the father of Andy (Emilio Estevez).
His other film credits include “The Package” with Tommy Lee Jones and Gene Hackman, “Above the Law,” “Code of Silence,” “Chain Reaction,” and “The Guardian.” Deanâs television appearances spanned series such as “T.J. Hooker,” “Murder, She Wrote,” “Frasier,” “ER,” “NYPD Blue,” “The West Wing,” “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation,” and “Cold Case.”
Beyond film and television, Dean was a respected stage actor. He performed in Chicago theater productions, including David Mametâs “Lakeboat” at the Goodman Theatre in 1982. He received a 1996 Joseph Jefferson Award nomination for his supporting role in “Supple in Combat” with the Steppenwolf Theatre Company.
Later in his career, Dean appeared in “Chicago Fire” as Chief Fire Marshal James Whoritsky and in a 2016 episode of “Chicago P.D.” â his final on-screen credit.
Deanâs legacy is defined by his dedication to authenticity and his portrayal of characters who reflected the strength and soul of Chicago itself.
âRon Dean was the real deal,â a colleague shared in tribute. âHe never faked a moment on screen. Everything he did came from truth, and thatâs why audiences loved him.â
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