John Lawlor,The Facts of LifeandPhyllisActor, Dies at 83

Mar. 15, 2025

John Lawlor.Photo:Bob D’Amico/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty

Bob D’Amico/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty

John Lawlor, the actor best known for his roles inThe Facts of LifeandPhyllis,has died. He was 83.

“John will be remembered for his great love and affection for his family, his work and enjoyment of theater, television, movies, literature, and of course, his beloved horses,” the obituary read.

John Lawlor as Headmaster Steven Bradley in ‘The Facts of Life’.Gary Null/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty

Gary Null/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty

He also appeared on CBS’sThe Mary Tyler Moore ShowspinoffPhyllisas one of Cloris Leachman’s co-workers, Leonard Marsh.

In 1981, he shifted into the world of film, landing a role in Blake Edwards’S.O.B.and, later, Lawrence Kasdan’sWyatt Earp(1994), per hisIMDb page.

Lawlor was born in Troy, New York on June 5, 1941, and is the oldest of six children. His family moved to Boulder, Colorado, where he grew up. He graduated from the University of Colorado and was a member of the Nomad Players in Boulder, where he performed in many productions, includingSweeney Todd.

John Lawlor in ‘A New Kind of Family’.ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty

ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty

Prior to his television gigs, Lawlor served in the United States Army in Vietnam.

In 1975, he booked his first onscreen roles inThe Rockford Files, Ellery QueenandJackson County Jailthe following year in 1976.

According to his IMDB, Lawlor also guested on popular showsA New Kind of Family,Alice, Barney Miller, Newhart, T.J. Hooker, Sledge Hammer!, Knots Landing, L.A. Law, Breaking BadandLongmire, along with filmsThe Gumball Rally, Bill Jack Goes to WashingtonandMovie Madness.

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He leaves behind five children, two brothers, three grandchildren, a nephew and two nieces.

source: people.com