John Lawlor, the esteemed actor renowned for his memorable performances in fan-favorite series such as The Facts of Life and Phyllis, has sadly passed away at the age of 83. The news of his passing was officially announced by his family through an obituary released on Monday, February 24, a mere nine days after his passing at a veterans hospice facility in Albuquerque, New Mexico. It was disclosed that his daughter, Riel, was present by his side during his peaceful final moments.
In the heartfelt obituary, it was shared that John Lawlor will forever be cherished for his deep love and unwavering affection towards his family, his dedication to his craft, and his passion for theater, television, cinema, literature, and notably, his cherished horses.
Lawlor enjoyed a prolific career in the entertainment industry, predominantly recognized for his portrayal of headmaster Steven Bradley at the Eastland School for Girls in the hit series The Facts of Life on NBC. Although he initially appeared in the debut season comprising of 13 episodes in 1979, he was subsequently succeeded by Roger Perry’s Charles Parker.
Moreover, Lawlor made a memorable appearance on CBS’s Phyllis, a spinoff of The Mary Tyler Moore Show, where he portrayed one of Cloris Leachman’s co-workers, Leonard Marsh.
Transitioning to the silver screen in 1981, Lawlor landed roles in notable films such as Blake Edwards’ S.O.B. and later featured in Lawrence Kasdan’s Wyatt Earp (1994), as detailed on his IMDb page.
Born on June 5, 1941, in Troy, New York, Lawlor was the eldest of six siblings. He spent his formative years in Boulder, Colorado, where his family relocated. Lawlor graduated from the University of Colorado and actively participated in the Nomad Players in Boulder, showcasing his talent in numerous productions, including the acclaimed Sweeney Todd.
Before gracing the small screen, Lawlor valiantly served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. His onscreen career commenced in 1975 with appearances in projects such as The Rockford Files, Ellery Queen, and Jackson County Jail in 1976.
IMDb credits Lawlor with guest appearances on popular television series like A New Kind of Family, Alice, Barney Miller, Newhart, T.J. Hooker, Sledge Hammer!, Knots Landing, L.A. Law, Breaking Bad, and Longmire. Additionally, he featured in films like The Gumball Rally, Bill Jack Goes to Washington, and Movie Madness.
John Lawlor is survived by his five children, two brothers, three grandchildren, a nephew, and two nieces, leaving behind a legacy of remarkable talent and cherished memories.
