Ronnie's interest in music and acting started at a very young age. His dad, Joseph Connell plays drums and percussion at the Kennedy Center where Ronnie met lots of composers, soloists, and actors. By the time Ronnie was 7 years old he was hanging backstage with the late, great film composer and Metallica collaborator Michael Kamen, and the legendary composer, John Williams. From the orchestra pit he was watching performances of Stephen Sondheim's "Bounce", Stephen Schwartz's "Wicked", Rogers and Hammerstein's "Show Boat", and numerous musical and stage productions. This backstage and up-close view of music and theater shaped Ronnie's early years and instilled in him a desire to perform on the stage and screen. Along with the arts, Ronnie is a strong supporter of human and animal rights. After a visit to the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota, Ron, than just 8 years old, decided to donate his outgrown clothing, previous years Home School books, half of his toys, and money from his Piggy bank to the American Indian Foundation. His donations benefitted the Lakota and Commanchee Indians. Ronnie has adopted and relocated many abandoned animals ranging from hamsters to greyhounds. He donates a portion of each check he receives to the ASPCA and has never met an animal he doesn't like.
