Ron Randell, an Australian-born actor who ended up working in Hollywood and on Broadway, died June 11, 2005, in Los Angeles of complications of a stroke, according to wire reports. Mr. Randell was reported to be 86. His career started in radio when he was a teenager. Roles in Australian plays and pictures — and a career in films and TV series, both American and British — followed.

According to an early bio in "Who's Who in the American Theatre," Mr. Randell made his first stage appearance in a production of Journey's End in Sydney in 1938. He played a number of roles at the Minerva Theatre in Sydney.

In 1946 the Sydney native played the title character in the film "Smithy," about Australian aviator Sir Charles Kingsford-Smith.

In the movie version of Kiss Me, Kate, he played Cole Porter. His movie credits include "Follow the Boys," "The Longest Day," "King of Kings" and "The She-Creature."

Mr. Randell also starred in the films "Bulldog Drummond at Bay" and "Bulldog Drummond Strikes Back."

Between 1949 and 1995, Mr. Randell appeared in various Broadway productions, the most recent being National Actors Theatre's School for Scandal in 1995. Back in 1949, he appeared in a double bill of The Browning Version and Harlequinade.

His other Broadway credits include Duet for One (1981), Bent (1979), Mo Man's Land (1976), Mrs. Warren's Profession (1976), the Royal Shakespeare Company revival of Sherlock Holmes (1974), Butley (1972), The World of Suzie Wong (1958) and Candida (1952).

In London, he appeared in Mary, Mary (1963), Sabrina Fair (1954) and Sweet Peril (1952).