Ronald Joseph Cicenia, also known as Ron Carey, was a talented comedian and actor born on December 11, 1935, in Newark, New Jersey. He was the youngest of a large Italian family, and his father was a singing waiter. Ron earned a Bachelor's degree in communications from Seton Hall University in 1956, but he soon discovered his true calling in the entertainment industry.
With his small stature, pushy attitude, and elastic face, Ron found success as a stand-up comedian, performing in clubs like "The Improvisation" and earning notice for his "little man" humor. He made appearances on various TV shows, including those hosted by Jack Paar, Merv Griffin, Mike Douglas, Ed Sullivan, and Johnny Carson.
Ron's breakthrough in film came with the comedy "The Out of Towners" in 1970, followed by roles in "Who Killed Mary Whats'ername?" and "Made for Each Other." He also appeared on Broadway in the hit comedy "Lovers and Other Strangers" and earned success in Mel Brooks' parodies, including "Silent Movie," "High Anxiety," and "History of the World: Part I."
On television, Ron had a steady role as Carl Levitt on the popular sitcom "Barney Miller," playing a bumbling police officer who yearned to be a detective. He stayed with the show until its cancellation in 1982.
After "Barney Miller," Ron's on-screen visibility decreased, but he continued to appear in supporting roles and attempted to revive his career with a sitcom, "Have Faith," in 1989. His final film was a major role in the 1999 short film "Food for Thought."
