The Marlboro Man, played by actor Eric Lawson, died from a smoking-related disease at the age of 72.
His wife, Susan Lawson, said on Sunday that her husband died Jan. 10 at him home in California from respiratory failure brought on by COPD — chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, NBC reported.
Mr. Lawson played the printed advertising role of Marlboro Man between 1978 and 1981. He also acted in television shows like “Baretta” and “Charlie’s Angels,” but was forced to quit his Hollywood career due to injuries he sustained during filming for a Western movie.
Mr. Lawson began smoking at age 14, but later on in life appeared in an advertisement against smoking, that poked fun at the Marlboro Man. He also took to “Entertainment Tonight” to speak on the negative sides of smoking, NBC reported.
He leaves behind six children.
• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.
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