Long Beach Actor Ed Lauter Dies

Ed Lauter, an actor and comedian with over 200 roles in movies and television series, died Wednesday of mesothelioma, reported New York Daily News. He was 74 years old.

Born and raised in Long Beach, he received his BA in English Literature from CW Post. Actors' blood ran in his veins, however, as the son of 1920s Broadway actress Sally Lee, and so he decided to take his talents to the West.

While in Hollywood, Lauter played over 200 different roles in films and television. He has credits in movies like Oscar-winner, The Artist, and both the original and remake of The Longest Yard. Lauter also gave life to television roles in ER, The X-Files, and Star Trek: The Next Generation. 

In 2010, Lauter reportedly called himself a "turn actor," who "shows up at some point in the film and suddenly turns the plot in a different direction," according to New York Daily News.

Lauter continued working until just months before his passing and still has films yet to be released, like The Town That Dreaded Sundown.

While Lauter traded East Coast living for West Coast when he moved to Los Angeles, his hometown still held him close in their hearts.

"Ed Lauter was an honorary regular," wrote Shine's Bar on their Facebook page. "Over the years, he sent us wonderful thoughtful letters and autographed photos from his many film roles. Though living in LA, it was clear that his heart never left Long Beach."

Other fans of Shine's and Lauter mourned his passing, some with stories and others with simple messages of love.

"He used to come my house (certain) mornings after a late night @ shines [looking] for his glasses or a phone. He was a very talented and lucky man…" wrote Patricia Kelly.

"I, too, thought of him respectfully as one of the industry's finest character actors," wrote Marion Mulligan.

"Sorry, loved that guy," Andrew Hennelly wrote simply.

Lauter is survived by his wife Mia and four children.