Ronald Christ "Ron" Karabatsos (born April 22, 1933-died April 17, 2012) was a veteran character actor. He appeared in 31 movies and over 200 television shows for a 23 year period from 1981 to 2004. On The Wayans Bros., he appeared as Cliff in the Season 1 episode "Shawn Takes A New Stand".
Early life and career[]
Born in Elizabeth, New Jersey to Constantine and Antoinette Karabatsos, Ron graduated from Emerson High School in 1951 and served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. After returning from Korea, he joined the Union City Police Department and retired in 1983 as a Homicide de-tective after 28 years of service. He also was a professional wrestler in the 1950s known as "The Golden Greek," a foreman at a General Motors plant before joining the Union City Police Dept., and, while still a policeman, Ron was approached to be in the movie Prince of the City. After his retirement, he moved to California to further pursue acting opportunities.
Death[]
Karabatsos died in Beaumont, California. Preceded in death by his parents, his son Ronald, Jr., and his brother Vincent, he was survived by his wife Janell, daughter Dawnne Rigsby, sister Joyce Vina; granddaughter Melanie Till and her husband Jeff; and two great-granddaughters, Aeris and Freya, as well as a host of inlaws and step relatives.
