Recognizable character actor Ed Lauter, a veteran of movies and TV, passed away at 74. His publicist said Mr. Lauter died on October 16th from mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer usually caused by exposure to asbestos. The source of exposure was not identified. Though usually tied to a workplace environment, there are numerous opportunities for exposure since it was used in many types of materials for decades.
Most recently he was featured as the butler in “The Artist;” but he also appeared in “The Longest Yard,” Hitchcock’s “The Family Plot,” “Death Wish 3,” and many TV shows. After an acting career passing five decades, he was often recognized in public, yet it was rare that people knew his name.
Mr. Lauter continued to work until the past few months and three new movies are still to be released. He left a wife and four children.
