Ronald Tavel (May 17, 1936–March 23, 2009) was an American screenwriter, director, novelist, poet, and actor best known for his work with Andy Warhol and The Factory. Born in Brooklyn, New York, Tavel graduated from Brooklyn College and later attended the University of Wyoming, where he earned a master’s degree in creative writing in 1959. Tavel worked as a screenwriter during the 1960s for many of Andy Warhol’s underground films including Chelsea Girls. Tavel worked with other members of Warhol’s Factory crowd, including Freddie Herko, Ondine, Mary Woronov, Billy Name, and Brigid Berlin. He also received the Obie Award for Outstanding Contribution to Theater in 1969, for the musical drama Boy on the Straight Back Chair.