Santa Clarita Diet, a Netflix comedy horror series created by Victor Fresco, revolves around the lives of Joel and Sheila Hammond, a suburban real estate team whose lives take a bizarre turn when Sheila becomes a zombie. Amidst the gore and humor, the show features a colorful cast of recurring characters, one of the most memorable being Ron Ruffin.
Who is Ron Ruffin?
Ron Ruffin, played by actor Jonathan Slavin, is a fictional mental patient and zombie who appears in the second season episode, "No Family is Perfect." Ron is a former mental patient from Santa Clarita, California, who suffered a breakdown after his wife's death. While hospitalized, he encounters Joel Hammond, who is admitted for a mandatory observation period.
Ron's Introduction to the Undead World
Believing Ron to be delusional, Joel confides in him about his wife Sheila's transformation into a flesh-eating zombie, and his desperate search for a cure. Weeks after Ron's discharge, he seeks out the Hammonds to thank them for their help during his difficult time. Sheila is surprised to learn that Joel had shared her secret with Ron.
Embracing the Un-Life
During his visit, Ron discovers the undead head of Gary West, a realtor and former colleague of the Hammonds. Unlike others, Ron seamlessly adapts to the un-life of a zombie. He embraces his newfound condition and begins turning others indiscriminately, causing concern for Joel and Sheila, who struggle with how to handle the situation.
The Cult of Sheila
Ron's journey takes another unexpected turn when Joel and Sheila are abducted by a Serbian businessman named Dobrivoje Poplovic, who seeks Sheila's valuable black blood for its immortality properties. Ron partners with Jean, a newly turned zombie, and Tommy, a former Knight of Serbia, to form the "Cult of Sheila" and rescue the Hammonds. While Joel and Sheila are resourceful enough to free themselves, Ron and his followers provide assistance.
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Delusions and Quirks
Ron Ruffin is portrayed as having certain delusions, including the belief that the Asparagus People (pronounced Ahh-spahr-ahh-Gahhz) are after him.
Jonathan Slavin: The Actor Behind Ron Ruffin
Jonathan Slavin, the actor who portrays Ron Ruffin, has an extensive career in television. He played Justin Hankel in the "Pretty Dead" episode of Castle, Byron Togler in Andy Richter Controls the Universe, Ogo in Robot and Monster, and scientist Phil Myman in Better Off Ted. Slavin is Jewish and openly gay; he married his partner of 22 years in July 2016.
About Santa Clarita Diet
Santa Clarita Diet is an American comedy horror television series that premiered on Netflix on February 3, 2017. Created by Victor Fresco, the series stars Drew Barrymore and Timothy Olyphant as Sheila and Joel Hammond, respectively. The show follows their lives as they navigate the challenges of Sheila's zombification.
Fresco developed the premise to create "a family show with an interesting approach that we haven't seen before." The zombie aspect allowed him to explore narcissism, as he considered "the undead are the ultimate narcissists."
The series received generally positive reviews from critics, with Rotten Tomatoes giving the first season a 78% approval rating, the second season an 89% rating, and the third season a 100% rating. Despite its critical acclaim, Netflix canceled Santa Clarita Diet after three seasons.
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Recurring Characters in Santa Clarita Diet
Besides Ron Ruffin, Santa Clarita Diet features several other recurring characters, including:
- Gary West (Nathan Fillion in seasons 1-2, Alan Tudyk in season 3): A realtor and the Hammonds' colleague.
- Loki Hayes (DeObia Oparei): A convicted felon.
Critical Reception
Santa Clarita Diet has been praised for its unique blend of comedy and horror, as well as the performances of its cast. The show's writing, directing, and overall production quality have also been commended.
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