Lane Smith was a versatile and prolific actor who appeared in many films, television shows and theater productions. He was best known for his roles as Perry White in Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman, Richard Nixon in The Final Days, and the district attorney in My Cousin Vinny. He died on June 13, 2005 at the age of 69 from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. This article will explore his life, career and the details of his death.
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Early Life and Career
Lane Smith was born on April 29, 1936 in Memphis, Tennessee. He grew up with a passion for acting and studied drama at Carnegie Mellon University and the Actors Studio. He served two years in the US Army before pursuing his acting career in New York. He made his film debut in 1970 in Norman Mailer’s Maidstone, and later moved to Los Angeles to focus on film and television work. He also appeared in many Broadway and Off-Broadway plays, including One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest, Glengarry Glen Ross and Death of a Salesman.
Breakthrough Roles and Recognition
Smith achieved fame and recognition in the 1980s and 1990s with several memorable roles. In 1984, he starred in Red Dawn, Places in the Heart and the sci-fi series V. In 1989, he received critical acclaim and a Golden Globe nomination for his portrayal of Richard Nixon in the TV docudrama The Final Days, based on the book by Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein. He also played a corrupt congressman opposite Eddie Murphy in The Distinguished Gentleman, a golf reporter in The Legend of Bagger Vance, and a hockey coach in The Mighty Ducks. His most popular role was as Perry White, the editor-in-chief of the Daily Planet, in the TV series Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman, which ran from 1993 to 1997.
Diagnosis and Death
In April 2004, Smith was diagnosed with ALS, a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. The disease causes muscle weakness, paralysis and eventually death. There is no cure for ALS, and the average life expectancy after diagnosis is three to five years. Smith’s condition deteriorated rapidly, and he died at his home in Los Angeles on June 13, 2005. He was survived by his wife Debbie Benedict Smith, his son Robert Smith, and his stepson Jason Dottley. According to Wikipedia, he was cremated and his ashes were scattered into the Pacific Ocean.
Legacy and Tribute
Lane Smith was a respected and admired actor who left behind a rich legacy of work. He was praised for his versatility, professionalism and charisma. He was also known for his generosity and kindness to his colleagues and fans. He received several awards and nominations for his performances, including a Drama Desk Award, an Emmy nomination and a Golden Globe nomination. He also has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
In 2006, a year after his death, his former co-stars from Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman paid tribute to him in a special DVD featurette titled Remembering Lane Smith. They shared their memories and anecdotes of working with him, and expressed their admiration and gratitude for his talent and friendship. They also honored him by wearing pins with his initials LS on them.
