Ronny Cox

Daniel Ronald Cox was born on July 23, 1938, in Cloudcroft, New Mexico. He began his acting career with a notable debut as Drew Ballinger in the 1972 thriller “Deliverance,” where his musical abilities were prominently featured in the iconic “Duelling Banjos” scene. This initial success led to consistent work in Hollywood, including guest roles in television series and the lead in the family drama “Apple’s Way” (1974). Cox further demonstrated his range with acclaimed performances in TV movies such as “A Case of Rape” (1974) and “Who Is the Black Dahlia?” (1975). He frequently portrayed authoritative figures in law enforcement and military roles, appearing in films like “Gray Lady Down” (1978), “The Onion Field” (1979), and “Taps” (1981).

The 1980s marked a period of heightened visibility for Cox, as he secured significant supporting roles in major productions. He starred as Lieutenant Andrew Bogomil in “Beverly Hills Cop” (1984) and reprised the role in its 1987 sequel. Concurrently, Cox took on antagonistic executive roles in science fiction films, portraying Richard “Dick” Jones in “RoboCop” (1987) and Vilos Cohaagen in “Total Recall” (1990). Throughout the 1990s, his career remained active with roles in numerous television series, feature films, and TV movies, including two episodes of “Star Trek: The Next Generation” as Captain Edward Jellico. He continued to appear in productions such as “Murder at 1600” (1997), “Forces of Nature” (1999), and “Perfect Murder, Perfect Town” (2000).

In recent years, Cox has sustained his acting career with appearances in “Stargate SG-1” (1997-2005), “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” (2005), “Desperate Housewives” (2006), and “Dexter” (2011). Beyond his acting endeavors, Cox has cultivated a substantial music career. He regularly tours, performing at festivals and theaters, and has released ten albums, showcasing an eclectic blend of jazz, folk, and western music. He was inducted into the New Mexico Music Hall of Fame in 2019 and received the Norman Petty Producers Award at the New Mexico Music Awards in 2021.