Harold Pruett

Harold P. Pruett (April 13, 1969 – February 21, 2002) was an American film and television actor. He appeared in over 30 films and TV series from the 1970s to the 1990s.

Career Born in Anchorage, Alaska, Pruett made his acting debut at age five in the 1976 film Sybil, starring Sally Field. He went on to appear in Summer Camp Nightmare (1987), Embrace of the Vampire (1995) and Precious Find (1996).

During the 1970s and 1980s, Pruett guest starred on numerous television series including Wonder Woman, The New Leave It to Beaver, It's Your Move, Eye to Eye, The Best Times, Hotel and Night Court. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, he danced in several music videos including two for the pop singer Martika, "More Than You Know" (1989) and "Coloured Kisses" (1992).

In 1990, Pruett had his first co-starring television role on the NBC musical teen drama Hull High. Later that year, he was cast as Steve Randle in the television adaptation of the 1967 S. E. Hinton novel The Outsiders, shown on Fox. That series was also canceled after one season because of low ratings. From 1992 to 1993, he had a recurring role as Brad Penny on the teen sitcom Parker Lewis. His last television appearance was in a recurring role on the Fox teen drama series Party of Five, in 1996. Pruett's final film appearance was in the independent drama The Right Way (1998), starring Geoff Pierson.

Death On February 21, 2002, Pruett died of an accidental drug overdose in Los Angeles.

Pruett's mother and friends created the Harold Pruett Drug Abuse Foundation in his memory.

Filmography

Films Year Title Role Notes 1981 Pennies from Heaven Minor role Uncredited 1987 Summer Camp Nightmare Chris Wade Credited as Harold P. Pruett 1988 Spellcaster Tom 1995 Embrace of the Vampire Chris Credited as Harrison Pruett 1996 Precious Find Ben Rutherford 1998 The Right Way

Television Year Title Role Notes 1976 Sybil Danny Miniseries 1978 Wonder Woman Boy Episode: "Stolen Faces" 1979 Mirror, Mirror Joey McLaren Television movie 1982 Crisis Counselor Episode: "Pill Addiction" 1983 ABC Afterschool Special Neighbor boy Episode: "The Woman Who Willed a Miracle"Uncredited 1985 The New Leave It to Beaver Ron Episode: "Movin' On" 1985 It's Your Move Boy No. 1 Episode: "The Dregs of Humanity" (Part 1) 1985 Eye to Eye Episode: "Dick & Tracey"Credited as Harold P. Pruett 1985 The Best Times Wally Episode: "Snake Meat"Credited as Harold P. Pruett 1985 Hotel Rod Episode: "Wins and Losses" 1985 Night Court Joey Episode: "Wheels of Justice" (Part 1)Credited as Harold P. Pruett 1987 Our House Mike Episode: "The 100 Year Old Weekend"Credited as Harold P. Pruett 1987 21 Jump Street Elly Episode: "Blindsided" 1988 The Fortunate Pilgrim Gino MiniseriesCredited as Harold P. Pruett 1988 ABC Afterschool Special Gary Watson Episode: "Daddy Can't Read" 1988 Scandal in a Small Town Michael Bishop Television movieCredited as Harold P. Pruett 1988 Aaron's Way Tony Falcone Episode: "Strong Foundations" 1989 I Know My First Name is Steven Birch Miniseries 1990 Lucky Chances Dario Santangelo Miniseries 1990 Hull High Cody Rome 6 episodes 1990 The Outsiders Steve Randle 13 episodes 1990 Heat Wave John Riggs Television movie 1992-1993 Parker Lewis Can't Lose Brad Penny 8 episodes 1993 Walker, Texas Ranger Ned Buchanon Episode: "Bounty" 1995 Medicine Ball Harley Spencer 8 episodes 1995 Divas Television movie 1996 The Perfect Daughter Ben Rutherford Television movie 1996 Party of Five Cooper Voight 3 episodes