Ron Leibman facts for kids

Ron Leibman (born October 11, 1937 – died December 6, 2019) was a talented American actor. He was known for his roles in movies, TV shows, and plays. He won a special award called the Tony Award in 1993 for his amazing performance in the play Angels in America.

Ron Leibman also won an Emmy Award in 1979 for his role as Martin 'Kaz' Kazinsky in the TV series Kaz. Many people remember him as Dr. Leonard Green, Rachel's dad, on the popular TV show Friends. He also voiced Ron Cadillac in the animated series Archer.

Early Life and Education

Ron Leibman was born in Manhattan, a part of New York City. His mother, Grace, had a Russian-Jewish background. His father, Murray, was a Russian Jewish immigrant who worked in the clothing business. Ron Leibman went to college and graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University.

Acting Career Highlights

Ron Leibman started his acting journey in the late 1950s. He joined a group called the Compass Players. Soon after, he was accepted into the famous Actors Studio.

Film Roles

Leibman's first movie was the comedy Where's Poppa? in 1970. He also appeared in the heist film The Hot Rock (1972) with Robert Redford. He played a union organizer in the movie Norma Rae (1979). Other films he acted in include Slaughterhouse-Five (1972) and Zorro, The Gay Blade (1981). Later, he was in Auto Focus (2002) and Garden State (2004).

Television and Awards

In 1979, Ron Leibman won an Emmy Award for his role in the TV series Kaz. In this show, he played a character who was a lawyer after being a convict. He also helped create and write the series.

He was nominated for a Golden Globe Award for his role in the TV movie Christmas Eve. From 1996 to 2004, he had a recurring role on the hit sitcom Friends. He played Dr. Leonard Green, the strict father of Rachel Green. He also appeared in The Sopranos as Dr. Plepler.

In 2013, Ron Leibman started voicing Ron Cadillac in the animated TV series Archer. His real-life wife, Jessica Walter, voiced Malory Archer, Ron Cadillac's wife in the show.

Stage Performances

Ron Leibman was also a successful stage actor. He won a Tony Award in 1993 for his performance in the play Angels in America. He played the character of Roy Cohn. He also co-starred with his wife, Jessica Walter, in the play Rumors on Broadway in 1988.

Personal Life

Ron Leibman was married two times. His first wife was actress Linda Lavin. They were married from 1969 to 1981. In 1983, he married actress Jessica Walter. They also worked together on screen in the film Dummy and an episode of Law & Order.

Death

Ron Leibman passed away on December 6, 2019, in Manhattan. He was 82 years old and died from problems related to pneumonia.

Filmography

Film

Television

Stage