MovieChat Forums > Journey to the Center of the Earth Discussion > Peter Ronson- Hans

Peter Ronson- Hans

posted 17 years ago by erik_le67
18 replies | jump to latest

Journey to the center of the earth was and is my favorite movie. I have had contacts with Arlene Dahl and Pat Boone, just to ask them what they think about this wonderful movie. I'm searching for informations about Peter Ronson (Hans) - I think he did a very good job in this movie - He's so great in this one!
Anyone knows something about him ? Does he still living in Iceland, anyone had contacts with him, just an address to write to?

Thank a lot

Erik

- take a map and follow them -

[–] neepik 17 years ago

I just finished watching my VHS copy of this movie. I, too, was wondering about the actor who played Hans. From what I found on the web, he was also an advisor on the film, I assume regarding things about Iceland. It looks like he was one of those rare individuals who gave us a fine performance, then we never heard from them again. This reminds me of Carrie Henn, the young girl who played Newt, in the 1986 movie Aliens. She decided to go another career route, rather than continue to pursue an acting career. While I hate that neither of these two provided us with more of their acting talents, somehow it makes their characters in the movie seem even MORE real, as we did not continue to see them showing up as different characters, in movie after movie.

rjb

[–] erik_le67 17 years ago

Sad news. On 16th January, Peter Ronson (Hans) died from natural causes.

So sad, I wish I would write to him to let him know he made a good job in this movie (advisor and actor).

If anyone has good links for photos of him......

I suppose that Pat Boone and Arlene Dahl were sad too...

Erik

[–] CinAmore 17 years ago

I too was very sad to hear of Mr. Ronson's (Pétur Rögnvaldsson's) passing. I just recieved the DVD of JCTE and enjoyed the incredible restoration treatment. Upon searching the net for more info about this favorite film of mine, I learned of the sad news. There is a great mini-biography about Peter on this IMDB written by his son, Dr. Stephen K. Ronson of Southern California.

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0740164/bio

Peter will remain in my memory as a special actor and condolences go out to the Ronson Family.

LT

[–] Master_Mikkle 17 years ago

RIP Peter Ronson

[–] sakoko 17 years ago

My heartfelt and warm sympathies go out to Peter's family. I just learned of his passing, and like others, was sadly shocked.

I first met Petur Rognvaldsson in Iceland in 1957..he and I trained together at the University of Iceland's running track..we were both hi hurdlers. We became good friends. After I left Iceland, (I was in the USAF), we ran across one another in Los Angeles. Peter was in the midst of filming "Journey."
Just three years ago, he and I renewed old acquaintences in Orange County. We had lunch a couple of times and talked of playing golf later on. He talked highly of his sons in the medical profession and of his wife.

He was part of a wonderful time I spent in Iceland and I valued getting to know him then and then renewing that friendship many years later
I am so very sorry he is gone.

Respectfully,

Nick Sylvester

[–] Captain-Midnight 17 years ago

I just coincidentally watched this movie only a couple of days ago before reading this news. Sad to hear that another of the stars slipped away. The years are passing far too quickly.

[–] 17 years ago

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[–] pbbuffyhugs 17 years ago

Just watched this fantastic film for probably more than the 40th time and came to IMDB just to check on reviews.
So sad to hear the news. This movie will always be amongst my top 2 favourite films and all the actors involved made such a good job that this will always remain the definative version no matter how many times the story's remade. The chemistry between all the characters is just superb.
As James Mason states in the movie..'Hans - we could never have done without you'..
RIP Peter.

[–] hobnob53 16 years ago

I just saw this film again today and decided to visit this site, and learned for the first time the sad news of Peter Ronson's passing 10 months ago. From the tributes to him on this thread and the information about him, it appears he had a good life and fine family, and he'll always be remembered for his great role in a memorable film. I can only echo what others have said so well here, but thank you, Peter, for bequeathing to generations to come so much pleasure with your wonderful performance in JOURNEY TO THE CENTER OF THE EARTH. Rest in peace.

[–] plwblj 16 years ago

R.I.P.

Terribly saddened to learn of this;

He was extremely vital in the jelling of the film.

He being of the strong & silent type.

His moments with Gertrude were priceless !

Alas,i had hoped meeting him someday....

[–] DodgersRule 15 years ago

Oh, this is so sad to hear. Knew Arlene and Pat were still with us but was not sure about our Hans ... and now I know. May he RIP -- and thanks for the joy!

[–] gennx30 15 years ago

he was great- the perfect guy to have along on any dnagerous mission
he had good judgement-and knew what to do on the spot
I wonder if Arlene Dahl actually spoke Icelandic

HE only made that film
joining the ranks of the likes of Danny Lloyd of THE SHINING
and Jaye Davison (STARGATE)-actually 2-3

[–] ducdebrabant 15 years ago

Jaye Davidson also starred in "The Crying Game," and received an Oscar nomination. Ronson was offered a movie contract, and declined. I'm wondering how tall he was, because he towers over everybody else. If he was as tall as he looks in the movie, they might have had a hard time casting him in other parts.

First they ignore you, then they ridicule you, then they fight you, then you win. Gandhi.

[–] ganzano 15 years ago

He WAS that tall, and athletic. He was, in fact, an Olympic calibre athlete. To be specific he was a hurdler. Seriously excellent in track and field.

[–] 15 years ago

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[–] Prismark10 11 years ago

Its a shame the actor did not make more films he was very good and striking as Hans.

Its that man again!!

[–] HBaldursson 10 years ago

This is a late response. I just watched the movie. Being Icelandic I can confirm that Arlene Dahl spoke Icelandic, with a strong Swedish accent. Pretty decent job.

The Icelandic of Hans (Pétur Rögnvaldsson) was also authentic, but quite wooden, theatrical and felt more written than spoken.

A bit cheesy, but fun movie. Interesting how out of time all those religious references and sexism feel as well.

[–] RasAlBane 9 years ago

Peter Ronson is my grandfather.. my name is Stefán Arnar Pétursson and i as you can guess am icelandic and live in iceland. I never knew him though and i never met him. He lived in Los Angeles all my life and as you have been told died 2007. He was offered a seven year contract after this movie, but he didn't want to be tied down cause he was interested in sports and wanted to compete which he did, actually in the olympics once. He was married to my grandmother and has 3 children with her. But met another women in Los Angeles and had two sons with her of one i met 2012 when he came to visit with his family.

Bond... James Bond