Actor John Lawlor, of ‘The Facts of Life’ and ‘Phyllis,’ Dies at 83
Hollywood is saying goodbye to another star. Actor John Lawlor, best known for appearing on TV shows The Facts of Life and Phyllis, has died at the age of 83, his family has announced.
John Lawlor died ‘peacefully’ on Feb. 13, 2025
On Feb. 24, 2025, Lawlor’s family announced he’d died on Feb. 13, 2025, at a veterans’ hospice facility in Albuquerque, New Mexico, per The Hollywood Reporter. The New York native’s death was announced in an obituary, which noted Lawlor “passed away peacefully” with his daughter, Riel, by his side. A cause of death was not given.
“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. Lawlor is survived by five children, three grandchildren, two nieces, and a nephew.
Lawlor’s 60-year acting career in Hollywood, from ‘The Facts of Life’ to directing
After serving in Vietnam during his time in the U.S. Army, Lawlor began his acting career in earnest. He appeared on the CBS sitcom, Phyllis, as one of Cloris Lachman’s co-workers. He also had a one-season stint on The Facts of Life playing headmaster of the Eastland School for Girls.
Lawlor’s acting credits also included movies. He starred in Wyatt Earp (1994), S.O.B. (1981), and Highlander (1986), and Excalibur (1981), among others.
He also made many TV show guest spots on programs such as L.A. Law and Breaking Bad and even a Malt-O-Meal commercial His last acting appearance came in 2017 when he appeared on four episodes of Godless.
When he wasn’t in front of the camera Lawlor was behind it working as an assistant director on movies such as Excalibur, Angel, Highlander, A Prayer for the Dying, and Driftwood.
