Introduction
Ron Carey was an American actor, comedian, and labor leader who is best known for his role as Officer Carl Levitt on the hit TV show “Barney Miller”. He was also a member of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters and served as its president from 1991 to 1997. In this blog post, we will delve into the life and career of Ron Carey, including his early years, acting career, and his involvement in the labor movement.
Early Life and Career
Early Years
Ron Carey was born on December 11, 1935, in Newark, New Jersey. He grew up in an Italian-American family and attended East Side High School in Newark. After high school, Carey served in the United States Army and was stationed in Germany. During his time in the Army, he learned sign language, which would later become a valuable skill in his acting career.
Acting Career
After leaving the Army, Ron Carey pursued a career in acting. He began performing in comedy clubs and eventually landed a role in the off-Broadway play “The Dybbuk”. Carey’s big break came in 1975 when he was cast as Officer Carl Levitt in the TV series “Barney Miller”. He played the role for six seasons and became a fan favorite for his comedic timing and portrayal of the bumbling police officer.
Labor Activism
Teamster Involvement
In addition to his acting career, Ron Carey was also involved in the labor movement. He joined the International Brotherhood of Teamsters in 1956 and rose through the ranks to become the union’s president in 1991. Carey was known for his efforts to clean up corruption within the union and improve working conditions for its members.
Controversy and Resignation
Despite his efforts to reform the Teamsters, Ron Carey’s tenure as president was marred by controversy. In 1996, he was accused of accepting illegal campaign contributions during his re-election campaign. The scandal led to a court-ordered rerun of the election, which Carey lost. He resigned from the union in 1997 and was later indicted on charges of perjury and making false statements to investigators. Carey maintained his innocence but was ultimately convicted and sentenced to prison.
Conclusion
Ron Carey was a talented actor and a dedicated labor leader who worked tirelessly to improve the lives of workers. Despite the controversy that surrounded his later years, his legacy as a champion of workers’ rights and a beloved TV personality lives on.
FAQ
Who is Ron Carey?
Ron Carey was an American actor and labor leader who served as the President of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters from 1991 to 1997.
What was Ron Carey’s background?
Ron Carey was born on December 22, 1936, in New York City. He grew up in Brooklyn and worked as a truck driver before becoming involved in union activism.
What was Ron Carey’s role in the entertainment industry?
Ron Carey was an actor who appeared in numerous films and television shows, including “Barney Miller,” “High Anxiety,” and “History of the World, Part I.”
What was Ron Carey’s role in the labor movement?
Ron Carey was a labor leader who rose through the ranks of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters. He was elected President of the union in 1991 and served until 1997.
Who is James Cicenia?
James Cicenia was Ron Carey’s brother. He was also involved in the labor movement and served as the Secretary-Treasurer of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 804 in New York.
