Ed Lauter facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ed Lauter
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Lauter, c. 1975
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| Born |
Edward Matthew Lauter Jr.
October 30, 1938 Long Beach, New York, U.S.
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| Died | October 16, 2013 (aged 74) Los Angeles, California, U.S.
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| Resting place | Westwood Village Memorial Park |
| Alma mater | C.W. Post College, B.A. 1961 |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Years active | 1968–2013 |
| Spouse(s) |
Mia Roberts Lauter
(m. 2009) |
| Children | 4 |
Edward Matthew Lauter Jr. (born October 30, 1938 – died October 16, 2013) was a well-known American actor and stand-up comedian. He appeared in more than 200 movies and TV shows. His acting career lasted over 40 years.
Early Life and Education
Ed Lauter was born and grew up in Long Beach, New York. His mother, Sally Lee, was a Broadway actress and dancer in the 1920s. Ed had family roots from Germany and Ireland.
After finishing high school, he studied English Literature in college. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1961 from C.W. Post College, part of Long Island University. While in college, he also played basketball. Later, Lauter served for two years in the United States Army.
Acting Career
Ed Lauter's first acting job was a small part in a Broadway play called The Great White Hope in 1968. Before that, he worked as a stand-up comedian. He first appeared on screen in a 1971 TV show episode called Mannix. His first movie role was in the Western film Dirty Little Billy in 1972.
Lauter was known as a "character actor." This means he often played interesting supporting roles rather than the main hero. He was recognized for being 6 feet 2 inches tall and having a balding look.
He acted with famous stars like Bruce Dern and Karen Black in Alfred Hitchcock's last movie, Family Plot. Hitchcock was very impressed with Lauter's acting. He even wanted Lauter for a big role in his next film, but Hitchcock's health problems stopped the movie from being made.
Lauter appeared in many films. Some of his most famous movie roles include:
- The Longest Yard (1974)
- King Kong (1976)
- Magic (1978)
- Cujo (1983)
- Death Wish 3 (1985)
- The Rocketeer (1991)
- The Artist (2011)
He also appeared in many popular TV shows. He played the villain sheriff Martin Stillman in the How the West Was Won' TV series. He was a guest star on shows like Psych, The X-Files, Kojak, The A-Team, Miami Vice, Magnum, P.I., Law & Order, and Star Trek: The Next Generation. He also had a recurring role as Fire Captain Dannaker on ER.
Later Life and Legacy
Ed Lauter passed away on October 16, 2013, just before his 75th birthday. He died from a rare type of cancer called mesothelioma. He had been diagnosed with it five months earlier.
He was married five times and is survived by his fifth wife, Mia Lauter. He also had four children from his earlier marriages. Ed Lauter continued to work as an actor until a few months before his death. Some of his films were released after he passed away.
To honor his acting work, the Ed Lauter Foundation is being created. This foundation will give a scholarship every year to young people who want to become actors.
Images for kids
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Ed Lauter, 2011
See also
In Spanish: Ed Lauter para niños
