Ron Dean, most known for his roles in “Risky Business” and “The Breakfast Club,” has died.
He was 87.
Dean died on Oct.5, and a few days later, his death was confirmed on Oct. 8 by his longtime partner, Maggie Neff.
“He passed at exactly 4p.m., after his beloved sisters had said their goodbyes,” Neff said to Variety. “He hung on like a warrior to say goodbye to his little sisters. Then we were alone, and in my arms, I held his hand, and he trusted me when I told him that it was alright to let go. What an honor!”
The cause of death has not yet been revealed.
Born in Chicago, Illinois, Dean started his acting career in 1976, playing many cops or detectives in numerous films and TV shows. Dean appeared as a detective in Tom Cruise’s breakout 1983 film “Risky Business.”
Director Andre Davis, who worked with Dean on the 1993 film “The Fugitive,” said to Deadline that Dean was a great actor and embodied everything “Chicago talent” had to offer.
“Ron Dean was my dear friend and a tremendous actor,” David said. “He was the essence of what Chicago talent represented. Having a very troubled youth, Ron turned his life around to have a wonderful career as a loving, decent human being and respected talent.”
Dean also has credits in John Hughes’ “The Breakfast Club,” where he played Andy (Emilio Estevez)’s father, and appeared in Christopher Nolan’s “The Dark Knight.” He had a recurring role on “Chicago Fire” as James Whoritsky, the Commanding Chief Fire Marshal of the CFD’s Office of Fire Investigations. His last on-screen credit, according to IMDb, was a 2016 episode of “Chicago P.D.”.
According to a ReelChicago obituary, Dean’s death “marks the loss of a true Chicago original.”
“His passing marks the loss of a true Chicago original whose on-screen presence reflected the city’s grit, humor, and heart with unmistakable authenticity,” the post reads. “ He wasn’t just playing Chicago; he was Chicago, and his legacy will continue to resonate through the countless stories he helped bring to life.”