Ronny Cox

Biography

Ronny Cox is a talented American actor, singer, and songwriter known for his diverse career spanning over five decades. While he gained fame for his roles in classic films like Deliverance (1972), RoboCop (1987), and Total Recall (1990), Cox has also built a reputation as a skilled musician and storyteller. His ability to play both kind-hearted heroes and ruthless villains has made him a beloved figure in Hollywood.

Early Life and Background

Ronny Cox was born Daniel Ronald Cox on July 23, 1938, in Cloudcroft, New Mexico. He grew up in Portales, New Mexico, in a working-class family with a love for music. From an early age, he showed an interest in storytelling, acting, and playing the guitar.

Cox attended Eastern New Mexico University, where he studied theater and music. After graduating, he moved to Los Angeles to pursue an acting career, while also staying connected to his musical roots.

Acting Career

Breakthrough with Deliverance (1972)

Cox made his film debut in the survival thriller Deliverance (1972), directed by John Boorman. He played Drew Ballinger, one of four city men who take a canoe trip in the wilderness that turns into a harrowing fight for survival. The film became famous for its intense scenes, including the iconic "Dueling Banjos" sequence, in which Cox's character plays guitar alongside a local banjo player.

Deliverance was both a critical and commercial success, launching Cox's acting career and showcasing his musical talents to a wide audience.

Notable Film Roles

After Deliverance, Cox took on a variety of roles in both film and television. His most famous performances include:

• Beverly Hills Cop (1984) & Beverly Hills Cop II (1987) – Played Lieutenant Andrew Bogomil, a supportive and honest police officer alongside Eddie Murphy’s Axel Foley.
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• RoboCop (1987) – Delivered a chilling performance as Dick Jones, the corrupt and ruthless senior executive at Omni Consumer Products. This role cemented his reputation as a great villain.
• Total Recall (1990) – Played Vilos Cohaagen, the tyrannical governor of Mars, opposite Arnold Schwarzenegger.
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• Captain America (1990) – Took on the role of the U.S. President in this lesser-known adaptation of the Marvel Comics character.
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Television Career

In addition to his film roles, Cox has been a familiar face on television. He has appeared in numerous series, including:

• St. Elsewhere (1983–1988) – Played Dr. John Gideon in the acclaimed medical drama.
• Star Trek: The Next Generation (1991) – Portrayed Captain Edward Jellico, a strict and controversial leader who temporarily replaces Captain Picard.
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• Dexter (2006) – Had a guest role as Senator Geoffrey P. Donovan in the hit crime drama.

Cox has also appeared in episodes of Murder, She Wrote, Desperate Housewives, The Outer Limits, and Law & Order, proving his versatility across different genres.

Music Career

Beyond acting, Ronny Cox is an accomplished musician, singer, and songwriter. He has released several albums featuring a mix of folk, country, and American music. His passion for storytelling extends into his songs, which often reflect his life experiences and personal philosophies.

Cox regularly tours as a musician, performing at folk festivals and concerts across the country. His love for music has been a constant throughout his life, and he considers it just as important as his acting career.

Personal Life

Ronny Cox was married to his high school sweetheart, Mary Cox, for over 50 years until her passing in 2006. They had two children together. He has spoken openly about how music helped him cope with the loss of his wife, and he continues to perform as a way to connect with people and share his experiences.