EAST PROVIDENCE — City native, noted actor, author and voice-over artist Ron McLarty passed away Saturday, Feb. 8, 2020 in New York City at the age of 72. The cause of death was not yet known. The Rhode Island College Alumni office confirmed his passing via a post on Twitter Monday, Feb. 10, and in a follow-up phone call to The Post.

McLarty was a 1965 graduate of East Providence High School. He later earned a degree in English as a member of the Class of 1969 from Rhode Island College. He is survived by his wife and three children.

Ronald William “Ron” McLarty was born April 26, 1947 in East Providence. He began his acting career professionally in the 1970s and eventually made several appearances on stage, television and in movies. He was a noted character actor, playing numerous supporting roles on such hits as “Spenser: For Hire,” “Law & Order” and “Sex and the City” among other shows as well as a prolific playwright.

McLarty eventually found significant success in the literary world as both a novelist and as an audio book narrator. His 2004 effort, “The Memory of Running,” was the first in a series of well-received fiction pieces he penned. He also became one of the leading book readers, recognized in the industry several times with “Audie” Awards for excellence in narration.

McLarty returned to his home state throughout his career. He was feted both in East Providence and at Rhode Island College.

In city, McLarty was memorably celebrated during a reception at City Hall and spoke to EPHS students at an event in its library. One of his last visits of note came upon the release of his novel “The Dropper” in 2012 when he appeared at a Weaver Library World Book Night event with other local authors.

At RIC, McLarty was presented with the Charles B. Willard Achievement Award in 2005 and an Honorary Doctorate of Humanities in 2007. In 2017, McLarty donated the original manuscripts of his novels, plays and poems; his extensive audiobook narrations; photos; reviews; and his biography to RIC to be housed in the Adams Library.