Ronnie Virgets, a thoroughly rounded, freewheeling writer who could hold forth in a distinctive New Orleans accent on such diverse topics as modern literature, horse racing and the foibles of his fellow citizens, died Monday night (May 20) at Ormond Nursing Home in Destrehan. He was 77.

The cause of death has not been determined, said Lynne Jensen, his longtime companion.

Mr. Virgets, awarded for his writing and television work, never shed the distinctive accent of his native 3rd Ward. “He was a walking, talking paradox,” Jensen said. “He was a genius y’at. How much more of a paradox can you get?”