Los Angeles Times1941 - 2014 Eric Lawson, former actor and Marlboro Man, has died. He was 72 years old. Eric was a working actor whose career spanned multiple decades but was cut short due to an accident sustained while filming the movie "The Shooter." His last years were spent in retirement with family and friends. He died of respiratory failure due to COPD at his home in San Luis Obispo. Born in Glendale, CA during a blackout, Eric spent his childhood in desert locales as his father worked in the gold mines. At an early age, he began working in tunnel construction and moved to selling real estate before his acting career took off. His credits include "Gymkata,""The Son of the Morning Star,""King Cobra,""Tall Tales" and various television shows and commercials. He was particularly proud of an NBC interview he gave regarding the negative effects of cigarette smoking. Never one to sit idly by, Eric was an avid professional photographer and enjoyed camping and metal detecting. He leaves behind a rich family legacy and is survived by his wife, Susan Lawson; his children Scott Lawson, Sheri (John) Mendon, Don (Heather) Lawson, Erica (Werner) Walian, Chanda (Sean) Brown and Corey Lawson; eighteen grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren. He is also survived by his brothers Monte (Anita) Lawson and Mike (Mary) Lawson; and many nieces and nephews. Sister in law Cheryl (Jason) Jennings and grandson Todd Mendon preceded him in death. Services will be held 2pm on Friday, January 31st at the chapel for The Church On The Way, 14344 Sherman Way, Van Nuys, CA..
LAWSON, Eric (Eric Layton Lawson)
Born: 1941, Glendale, California, U.S.A.
Died: 2014, San Luis Obispo, California, U.S.A.
Eric Lawson’s westerns – actor:
The Last Ride of the Dalton Gang (TV) – 1979 (Willie Powers)
Guns of Paradise (TV) – 1989 (Roy)
Son of the Morning Star (TV) – 1991 (Fred Gerard)
The Adventures of Brisco County Jr. (TV) – 1993 (outlaw)
Bonanza: Under Attack (TV) – 1995 (Morgan)
Walker, Texas Ranger (TV) – 1995 (Vic Landry)
Tall Tale – 1995 (sheriff)
The Shooter – 1997 (Paul)
The Magnificent Seven (TV) – 1998 (Sergeant Darcy)