Date of Birth
1 July 1936,
Chicago, Illinois, USA
Height
6' 1" (1.85 m)
Mini Biography
Trained in the Classics at CCC in Chicago, Ron has proven himself equally at home on stage or screen with Shakespeare or Slapstick. Professionally he has played everything from Stanley in "Streetcar Named Desire" to Sakini in "Teahouse of the August Moon". From Will Stockdale in "No Time For Sergeants" to Marc Antony in "Julius Caesar". More proof of his versatility was seen in "Mr. Roberts", where in one production he played Ensign Pulver and in another production Mr. Roberts himself. He was resident leading man at Candlelight Theatre in Chicago for 3 1/2 years. He never missed a performance. His knack at doing impressions won him a trip around the world as a member of the All Army show. Again in over 700 shows he never missed a performance. He was the only Military Policeman ever to do the show. It was while doing theatre and commercials in Chicago that he was brought to the attention of producer Harry Ackerman and was brought to California to test for the lead in a pilot. While here, Ron met John Sturges and was cast in Ice Station Zebra (1968).
His filmography speaks for his versatility. Equally at home on the concert tour, he has emceed hundreds of shows for the top names in the variety field. He is also a popular talk and game show guest. An outstanding athlete, he has his own uniform and has worked out with the LA Dodgers for over 20 years. He is often introduced as "One of America's most familiar faces" but since his 8 year run as Sheriff Mort Metzger on "Murder, She Wrote" (1984), we can safely say "One of the World's most familiar faces".
Spouse
| Kay Knebes |
(23 September 1961 - present) 6 children |
Trade Mark
His voice
Trivia
Was offered a contract by The Chicago White Sox while only 16. The scout was Hall of Famer Rogers Hornsby.
6 children: 4 daughters, twin boys.
Post Soldier of the Month (Fort Benjamin Harrison) [1960]
Was only Military Policeman to ever appear in world touring All Army Show
Was the first recipient of Muscular Dystrophys "Humanitarian of the year" award. Was named "Man of the Year" by Volunteers Assisting Cancer Stricken Families. Worldwide Ambassador for "Childhelp USA".
Hosted Jerry Lewis Telethon in Los Angeles 10 years.
Starred as Lou Costello in 5 different advertising campaigns.
Was voice of Vlasic pickle stork 15 years.
Headlined World Touring All Army Show "Rolling Along 1960" voted one of the "Outstanding Young Men in America" 1963-4
Toured World doing impressions: Considered the first Elvis impersonator as early as 1956. Did Elvis on "Spade Cooley TV Show" in 1957
Among others in his "View Of Vegas" were Sammy Davis Jr., Bobby Darin, Shelley Berman, Joe E. Lewis and Johnnie Ray.
Chicago College Actor of the Year 1956
During his 8 years as Sheriff Mort Metzger on "Murder, She Wrote" (1984), he only had one female deputy, Deputy Lynn Olsen. She was played by his actress daughter Kathryn Masak.
In the Episode "Wheel Of Death" The Carnival Knife thrower "Nicky" was played by actor Jimi Defilippis, who is now married to Ron's daughter Debbie.
Honorary sheriff of Tarzana, California
In 1954 he was voted "Homecoming King" at Kelly High School in Chicago Illinois.
Cousin of actor Michael Gross.
Cousin of actress Mary Gross.
Appeared in 32 consecutive Hollywood Stars Games at Dodger Stadium.
Father of actress Kathryn Masak and actor Mike Masak.
An All Around Athlete while in the Army he was Quarterback on the Ft. Ord Football Team, Guard on the Ft. Gordon Basketball team and Shortstop on the Ft. Benjamin Harrison Baseball team
Was presented The Allen Ludden Humanitarian Award for 2003 by the Motion Picture Mothers. It was presented by former winner Tom Selleck.
Named 2003 Man of the Year....by The Blind Childrens Center
Member: Theta Alpha Phi Fraternity.
Personal Quotes
"Individuals win trophies ... teamwork wins championships"
"There are no reasons for failure...just excuses"
Where Are They Now
(July 2007) Starred in the World Premiere of The Jay Kholos Musical "My Catskills Summer".
(September 2007) Starring in his One Man Show: At Home with Mark Twain
(September 2007) Finished writing his book: I've Met All My Heroes.
\x26quot;Sheriff\x26quot; Ron Masak and Dee Wallace ...
\x26quot;Sheriff\x26quot; Ron Masak www.ronmasak.com
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