Actor. He attended C.W. Post College on an athletic scholarship, graduated in 1961, and served in the United States Army for two years. He studied acting at the Herbert Berghof School, and was a stand-up comedian before obtaining regular work as an actor. Often cast as villains or authority figures including police officers, his best-known film roles included: 'Captain Wilhelm Knauer,' the nemesis of Burt Reynolds' character in 1974's "The Longest Yard," 'Carnahan' in the remake of "King Kong" (1976), 'Joseph P. Maloney' in "Family Plot" (1976) (Alfred Hitchcock's last film), 'Joe Camber' in "Cujo" (1983), the 'Legion Commander' in "Born on the Fourth of July" (1989), FBI Agent 'Fitch' in "The Rocketeer" (1991), 'John Slade' in "Wagons East" (1994) and 'Peppy's Butler' in the Oscar-winning film "The Artist" (2011). His best-known TV roles included: 'Sheriff Cain' on "The Misadventures of Sheriff Lobo" and "B.J. and the Bear" (1979-1980); 'General Louis Crewes' on "Golden Years" (1991) and 'Fire Captain Dannaker' on "ER" (1998-2002). He continued to work until near the end of his life, and died at home from the effects of mesothelioma.
Actor. He attended C.W. Post College on an athletic scholarship, graduated in 1961, and served in the United States Army for two years. He studied acting at the Herbert Berghof School, and was a stand-up comedian before obtaining regular work as an actor. Often cast as villains or authority figures including police officers, his best-known film roles included: 'Captain Wilhelm Knauer,' the nemesis of Burt Reynolds' character in 1974's "The Longest Yard," 'Carnahan' in the remake of "King Kong" (1976), 'Joseph P. Maloney' in "Family Plot" (1976) (Alfred Hitchcock's last film), 'Joe Camber' in "Cujo" (1983), the 'Legion Commander' in "Born on the Fourth of July" (1989), FBI Agent 'Fitch' in "The Rocketeer" (1991), 'John Slade' in "Wagons East" (1994) and 'Peppy's Butler' in the Oscar-winning film "The Artist" (2011). His best-known TV roles included: 'Sheriff Cain' on "The Misadventures of Sheriff Lobo" and "B.J. and the Bear" (1979-1980); 'General Louis Crewes' on "Golden Years" (1991) and 'Fire Captain Dannaker' on "ER" (1998-2002). He continued to work until near the end of his life, and died at home from the effects of mesothelioma.
Bio by: Bill McKern
Inscription
"Pulling Focus"
Starring Hollywood Legend Icon Actor with Wife and Leading Lady
Title song Dancing Cheek to Cheek by I.B.
Tag Line "Bye for now"
Family Members
Advertisement
See more Lauter memorials in:
Advertisement