Broadway star Ronald Dennis, known for his role as dancer Richie Walters in the original cast of A Chorus Line (1975), died on December 17. He was 78. 

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The actor is vividly remembered for the performance of the iconic Gimme The Ball from the aforementioned musical. Dennis died after a prolonged illness. An advocate for AIDS awareness and charities after he was diagnosed HIV positive in 1984, he served on Broadway Cares Advisory Council and was also the Senior Advisor for the Black Men’s HIV Medication Adherence Board at APLA/Project Rise. 

Who was Ronald Dennis?

Dennis embarked on his Broadway career with the 1964 Pearl Bailey’s production of Hello Dolly. Soon he starred as a dancer in Micki Grant’s 1972 Don’t Bother Me, I Can’t Cope before receiving his breakthrough role as Richie in 1975’s A Chorus Line. As Richie, Dennis remembered how he almost became a kindergarten teacher before realizing his passion for dancing. 

Dennis has starred in several touring productions alongside original staging and was cast in several touring productions such as Pippin, Bob Fosse’s Dancin and La Cage Aux Follies.

Dennis starred in a handful of Television productions in the 1970s as well, after relocation from New York to Los Angeles, including Welcome Back Kotter, Chico and the Man, Laverne & Shirley and Baretta.

Dennis appeared in documentaries as well. He starred as himself in documentaries like Don’t Grab The Gown Til You See the Gurney and Broadway Beyond the Golden Age. 

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Dennis was a tireless advocate for HIV awareness and participated in numerous campaigns, including donations of funds to fight for the cause. 

Dennis is survived by his brother George, and several of his nieces and nephews. Tributes have poured in for the star, many recounting his illustrious career in Broadway while others talking about his generous contributions to the cause of HIV awareness. 

Late pianist and composer Marvin Hamlisch’s official Twitter handle shared a tribute to the star. “We are saddened to hear about the passing of Ronald Dennis, the original Ritchie in A Chorus Line. We’ll be high kicking and belting “Gimme That Ball” today in his honor,” the tweet read.