fbpx

May 16, 2014

Hollywood Loses Another Star to Mesothelioma

Famed Character Actor Ed Lauter Dies of Rare Asbestos Cancer at 74

You may not recognize his name but you know his face. Famed character actor Ed Lauter died of mesothelioma, a rare and deadly asbestos-related cancer, in October 2013. Just last month an asbestos lawsuit was filed by his family against the television networks that had employed Mr. Lauter during his long acting career.

Mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer that can attack the lining of the lungs or stomach. The only known cause of this terminal cancer is asbestos, a mineral once valued for its versatility and resistance to high heat. Prior to the 1980s, asbestos was used extensively in a wide range of products and industries. It was also known to be used in set construction for movies and television and is likely how Mr. Lauter was exposed to asbestos.

A Veteran actor from the silver screen to the small screen, Mr. Lauter appeared in a variety of movies and TV shows throughout his nearly 40 year career. Some of his latest work included the Oscar-winning film, “The Artist” and television shows such as “The Office” and “ER.” He was diagnosed with mesothelioma in June 2013 and died four months later at the age of 74.

Court documents show that the Lauter family’s lawsuit alleges that major networks CBS and NBC are responsible for the actor’s untimely death due to repeated exposure to asbestos in the TV studios. The networks and other companies listed in the complaint are accused of failing to warn and protect Mr. Lauter from asbestos exposure.

Other Hollywood stars who have lost their lives to mesothelioma include:

  • Army Archerd (1922-2009)
  • Paul Gleason (1939-2006)
  • Steve McQueen (1930-1980)
  • Merlin Olsen (1940-2010)

How Waters Kraus Paul & Siegel can help victims of asbestos exposure

We understand that when you or a loved one is diagnosed with mesothelioma you face a future of uncertainty. You will no doubt have numerous questions about living with an asbestos-related cancer. Waters Kraus Paul & Siegel has been helping victims of asbestos exposure from almost 20 years. We put our extensive resources and seasoned lawyers to work for you, and provide aggressive legal representation throughout the entire course of litigation. To learn more about Waters Kraus Paul & Siegel, or to have one of our lawyers review your potential asbestos case, email us or call 800.226.9880.

Our Results

$880 million award

Historic settlement for over 1,300 survivors of clergy and adult abuse within the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles, marking a pivotal moment for justice.

READ THE DETAILS

$725.5 million award

A Philadelphia jury awarded a record verdict against ExxonMobil for failing to warn about cancer risks due to benzene in its petroleum products.

READ THE DETAILS

$20 million award

Confidential settlement for the wife of a Rhode Island man who died of mesothelioma cancer after exposure to window glazing compound contaminated with asbestos.

READ THE DETAILS