Home / Arts and Entertainment / Beloved Chicago Actor Ron Dean, Star of Risky Business, Dies at 87
Beloved Chicago Actor Ron Dean, Star of Risky Business, Dies at 87
9 Oct
Summary
- Ron Dean, known for roles in Risky Business and The Breakfast Club, has died at 87
- His partner Maggie Neff described their "unconditional and permanent" love
- Dean was remembered as a "tough-as-nails character actor" who embodied Chicago

Renowned Chicago actor Ron Dean, known for his gritty roles in films like Risky Business and The Breakfast Club, has passed away at the age of 87. Dean's partner, Maggie Neff, confirmed the news, describing their "unconditional and permanent" love that spanned nearly four decades.
According to Neff, Dean "hung on like a warrior" to say goodbye to his sisters before he died. She shared the heartbreaking moment when she held his hand and told him it was alright to let go, calling it "an honor" to be by his side.
Dean's decades-long acting career began in the 1970s, and he went on to appear in numerous iconic films and TV shows, often portraying cops, detectives, and blue-collar Chicagoans. He was remembered as a "tough-as-nails character actor" who carried the heart of his hometown in all of his roles, making him a go-to for casting directors whenever a production needed the "real deal."