In a film career that has extended for over four decades, Ed Lauter has starred in a plethora of film and television productions since making his big screen debut in the 1971 western "Dirty Little Billy". Lauter has portrayed an eclectic array of characters over the years, including (but not limited to), authority/military figures, edgy villains, and good-hearted heavies. Many will remember him for his appearance as the stern Capt. Wilhelm Knauer in 1974's "The Longest Yard" (Lauter also made a cameo in the 2005 remake.) Lauter has also worked with some of the biggest film luminaries of the last fifty years, including Alfred Hitchcock, Lee Marvin, Burt Lancaster and Charles Bronson. With a face that seems to pop up everywhere, Lauter has remained in demand for roles on both television and film. Some of his more recent outings include the films Seraphim Falls (2006, opposite Liam Neeson and Pierce Brosnan) and 2003's Seabiscuit; as well as appearances on Grey's Anatomy and Psych.



==October 17, 2013==



An acting legend passes.....Ed Lauter, character actor extraordinaire and, from what I've been told, one of the nicest folks you'd ever want to meet has died of mesothelioma at age 74. I'm speechless.......I've been a fan of this man's work for as long as I can remember and this has officially ruined the night. Some time ago (early 2011) I took the time to compile a list of the 250 greatest character actors of all time for the IMDB website and deservedly placed Ed in the #1 slot. Some months afterwards I was contacted by a friend of his via the IMDB messenger/posting system and was told that Ed himself had seen my list and had even taken a copy of it with him when going up to read for film roles. Mr. Lauter's friend was even kind enough to send me Ed's cell phone number (I was told to keep it private) and was also told that Ed appreciated my kind words about him and his acting career on the above bio I wrote for him on the IMDB site. I'm sorry to report that I never did work up enough courage to call up this amazing actor and now, with his untimely death, I'll never get the chance to do so. He will certainly be remembered for his impressive body of work over the past forty years, and especially by me for his kindness in reaching out to me through his friend.....a true legend. Rest in Peace Ed!