Glass was born in Evansville, Indiana in 1945. After high school, Glass attended the University of Evansville where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree, double-majoring in Drama and Literature. Years later the university honored his work in television and film with their highest commendation, the Medal of Honor.

Glass made his stage debut at the Guthrie Theatre in Minneapolis, regarded as America's foremost classical theatre company. Critics and audiences alike celebrated his work on such productions as Tyrone Guthrie's ground-breaking production of The House Of Arteus, The Taming Of The Shrew, Misalliance, The Dutchmman, and Ceremonies In Dark Old Men.

He went on to star at numerous regional theatres including West Springfield Theatre, The Seattle Repertory and the Shakespeare Festival in British Columbia.

Following his successful Repertory/Regional experience, Ron decided to try his luck in Hollywood. He landed in town with all his possessions packed in a single suitcase. Ron's prodigious talent opened doors and he quickly established himself as a popular guest star in some of televisions hottest shows.

His earliest TV appearances include episodes of Sanford and Son in 1972 and episodes of Good Times in 1974. In 1975, he landed the role of Detective Ron Harris in Barney Miller, which ran until 1982. The following season, Glass also co-starred with Demond Wilson on television in the short-lived remake of The Odd Couple, called The New Odd Couple. In 1992, he costarred in the short-lived sitcom Rhythm and Blues, a kind of "black WKRP," playing the fifth Top.

Since then, Glass has appeared in dozens of television series, including the Disney children's series Teen Angel, where he played God's cousin Rod, and the cult science fiction series Firefly, in which he played Shephed Book, a religious man with a mysterious past. Glass reprised his role in the 2005 film Serenity. Most recently you can see Ron Glass starring as Judge Fenton in episodes of Shark.

When Ron isn't working, he can be found at the AL Wooten Jr. Heritage Center where he serves as Chairman of the Board. With the motto, "Catch a Vision", the organization's goal is to empower the growth of young people in a community in crisis.

He works hard, encouraging kids and recruiting adult involvement.

Ron relishes the opportunity to guide kids along the bumpy road to making their dreams come true. For his efforts, Ron has received the organization's "Catch the Vision" Award.