Ronald Earle “Ron” Glass was born on July 10, 1945, and died on November 25, 2016.

He was an American actor.

He was known for his roles as literary Det. Ron Harris in the television sitcom Barney Miller (1975–1982), and as the spiritual Shepherd Derrial Book in the 2002 science fiction series Firefly and its sequel film Serenity.

He was born in Evansville, Indiana, the son of Lethia and Crump Glass.

He graduated from Saint Francis Seminary in 1964, Glass attended the University of Evansville, where he received a Bachelor of Arts, double majoring in drama and literature.

Years after that, the university awarded him its Medal of Honor.

He said in 2007 he knew while he was in college that he wanted to act.

With one of his teacher’s encouragement, Ron performed in a play and went on to an acting career.

Ron Glass passed away at 71 years old.