On December 29, 2018, Robert Ruth died in Torrance, CA from pneumonia complications. His death was first reported by The Hollywood Reporter, informed by Ruth’s son, Monty Ruth.
Ruth’s life began in Chicago where he boxed in the Golden Gloves tournament. At 17 years old, he joined the Marine Corps. During the Korean War, Ruth was a demolitions expert.
The actor first studied acting at the Goodman Theatre in Chicago. He moved to Manhattan Beach, CA for a chance in Hollywood. Subsequently, Ruth was in a plethora of films and TV shows.
Ruth played a cop in Reservoir Dogs (1992), sportscaster in Pulp Fiction (1994), cockroach in A Bug’s Life (1998), and hotel manager in Catch Me If You Can (2002). He was a bartender in Dogpound Shuffle (1975) as well.
Ruth was featured as Nemo, a pizzeria owner, in 2001 episodes of Everybody Loves Raymond. He was a comedian with The Mighty Carson Art Players on episodes of The Tonight Show. At one point in 1972, Ruth appears as a desk clerk in Mission: Impossible.
Ruth’s memory lives on in his wife, Ann, his children Monty, Adam, and Regan, and grandchildren, Ashleigh and Bridget. He will have a memorial in his honor.