Ron Glass, Star of “Barney Miller” and “Firefly,” Dead at Age 71

Jon Kopaloff/WireImage(LOS ANGELES) — Ron Glass, the actor best-known for his role on the 1970s sitcom Barney Miller and the sci-fi series Firefly, has reportedly died at age 71.

Variety reports Glass’ representative confirmed his death, but provided no other details.

Born in Indiana, Glass appeared in supporting roles in a number of 1970s TV series before landing his breakout role as the dapper, erudite police Det. Ron Harris on Barney Miller.  He played the character for the show’s entire eight-season run, earning an Emmy nomination for the show’s final season in 1982. 

In 2002, Glass found a new generation of fans playing Shepherd Darriel Book, a preacher traveling with a crew of smugglers in outer space, on the Joss Whedon-created short-lived cult TV series Firefly.  He reprised the role in the spin-off film Serenity three years later.

Castle star Nathan Fillion, who also starred with Glass in Firefly, posted a photo on Instagram of Glass with a quote from the show, ending with, “We love you, Ron Glass.  Don’t go far.”

Off-screen, Glass was a practicing Buddhist.

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