In Memory of 'Barney Miller' Actor Ron Carey: 17 Years After His Tragic Death From A Stroke

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It's been seventeen years since the tragic death of actor Ron Carey. Best known as Officer Carl Levitt on TV's groundbreaking comedy Barney Miller (ABC, 1975-1981), Carey may have been diminutive in size, but he had a massive talent. He was only 71 when he died of a stroke in 2007. This is his story.

A Closer Look

He was born Ronald Joseph Cicenia (a.k.a. "Ronnie") on December 11, 1935, into a large Italian family in Newark, New Jersey,

His father was once a singing waiter, while Carey, in 1956, would graduate with a Bachelor's Degree in Communication from Seton Hall University in South Orange.

Notably short, nasal-toned, and mischievous-looking, would soon utilize his persona on the stand-up comedy circuit and then play Brooklynesque characters in several TV shows and films.

Beyond Barney Miller, Carey had recurring roles on other TV shows like The Corner Bar and The Montefuscos and made guest appearances on Benson, Have Faith, and Lucky Luke. He was also a staple in several feature films directed by Mel Brooks including Silent Movie, High Anxiety, and History of the World: Part 1.

Carey's other movies include Johnny Dangerously and The Good Bad Guy.

Conclusion

Ron Carey was the talented and unique kind of actor that Hollywood simply does not churn out that much anymore. His memory will forever remain cherished by classic TV fans around the world.