Ron Leibman, Former Friends Star, Dies Aged 82

As well as playing Rachel's dad in the hit sitcom, Ron won a Tony Award for his performance in the play Angels In America.

Former Friends star Ron Leibman has died at the age of 82.

Ron will be best remembered by Friends fans for playing Rachel’s mean-spirited father, Dr Leonard Green, in multiple episodes of the hit sitcom.

He also won an Emmy for his lead role in the short-lived crime drama Kaz in the late 1970s, which he also co-wrote.

Ron on the set of Friends with his on-screen daughter, Jennifer Aniston
Ron on the set of Friends with his on-screen daughter, Jennifer Aniston
NBC via Getty Images

In 1993, he also won a Tony Award for his portrayal of Roy Cohn in the critically-acclaimed play Angels In America.

His agents confirmed that he died of pneumonia on Friday.

They told The Wrap: “We at Abrams Artists Agency are saddened to hear the news of Ron’s passing.

“Ron was an incredibly talented actor with a distinguished career in film, TV and theatre. Our thoughts go out to his wife, Jessica, and his family.”

Ron at a Broadway event in 2013
Ron at a Broadway event in 2013
Cindy Ord via Getty Images

As well as his work on Friends, Ron had a recurring role in The Sopranos, playing Dr Lior Plepler. He was also nominated for a Golden Globe for his leading role in the 1986 TV movie Christmas Eve.

Ron’s final role was in nine episodes of the animated series Archer, between 2013 and 2016.

He played Ron Cadillac, the husband of Malory Archer, who was voiced by his real-life wife Jessica Walter, best known for her role as Lucille Bluth in the sitcom Arrested Development.

Ron Leibman and Jessica Walter at the Emmys in 2005
Ron Leibman and Jessica Walter at the Emmys in 2005
Albert L. Ortega via Getty Images

The pair worked together on multiple occasions over the years, mostly on stage, but also in the film Dummy and an episode of Law & Order in 1995.

Ron was previously married to the Tony-winning actor Linda Lavin for 12 years.

DECEMBER

RIP Celebs: Stars We Lost In 2019

Close

What's Hot