John Lawlor - Actor Profile

John Lawlor

Acting
Freshness: Jan 24, 2026
13Total Films
6.8 Highest Rated
Born: Jun 5, 1941
Birth Place: Albany, New York, USA

About John Lawlor

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia John Henry Lawlor III (June 5, 1941 – February 13, 2025) was an American actor and assistant director. Early life Lawlor was born on June 5, 1941, in Troy, New York, but spent much of his early life in Boulder, Colorado, where his mother was a teacher of special needs children at Casey Jr. High School. In the late-1960s, he worked as a AmeriCorps Seniors volunteer trainer in Denver. Career His best known roles were Supervisor Leonard Marsh on the television series Phyllis from 1976 to 1977, and later of Headmaster Steven Bradley on the television series The Facts of Life from 1979 to 1980. The name Steven Bradley was likely meant as a tribute to Steve Bradley in Boulder, a friend and one-time manager of the Winter Park ski area. He also guest-starred in L.A. Law, Knots Landing, Mr. Belvedere, Barney Miller, The Rockford Files, Ellery Queen, Baa Baa Black Sheep, and Alice. He played the locksmith exhorted by Skylar White in Breaking Bad. He appeared in the movies National Lampoon's Movie Madness (1982), S.O.B. (1981), Billy Jack Goes to Washington (1977), The Gumball Rally (1976), Wyatt Earp (1994) and Mr. Fixit (1988). In a 1980s TV commercial for Malt-O-Meal hot cereal, he played a father telling his son's invisible friend that Malt-O-Meal was, "Good stuff, Maynard!" a line which became a popular phrase. Personal life and death Lawlor was divorced from Tantoo Cardinal, with whom he had two children. He also had four other children. Lawlor died in Albuquerque, New Mexico, on February 13, 2025, at the age of 83. CLR

Career Statistics & Market Influence

Analyzing the cinematic journey of John Lawlor reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 13 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.

Genre Dominance: Drama

The majority of John Lawlor's filmography leans towards the Drama genre. Audience data suggests that viewers respond most favorably to this persona, though their versatility has allowed for successful crossovers into other categories.

The "Box Office" Signature

With a 23% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), John Lawlor remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in The Flying Misfits, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.

Best John Lawlor Movies Ranked

Must-watch hits from John Lawlor's career based on audience ratings.

Complete Filmography & Success Status

Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of John Lawlor.

YearMovieCharacterSuccessMore
2016 Gold Mining Expert Hit Similar →
2013 Excalibur: Behind the Movie Self Flop Similar →
2013 Banshee Chapter Elderly Doctor Average Similar →
2011 Naked Run Max Siegel Flop Similar →
1994 Wyatt Earp Judge Spicer Hit Similar →
1982 National Lampoon's Movie Madness Mr. Haggis ("Growing Yourself") Flop Similar →
1981 S.O.B. Capitol Studios Manager Average Similar →
1981 A Matter of Life and Death Bud Coggins Flop Similar →
1978 Outside Chance Bill Hill Flop Similar →
1977 Relentless Walker Average Similar →
1976 The Flying Misfits Dr. Jim Reese Hit Similar →
1976 The Gumball Rally Jake Average Similar →
1976 Jackson County Jail Deputy Burt Average Similar →

John Lawlor - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best movie of John Lawlor?

According to audience ratings, the best movie starring John Lawlor is "The Flying Misfits" with a rating of 6.8/10.

How many movies has John Lawlor acted in?

John Lawlor has been featured in at least 13 major films throughout their career.

What are some other popular movies by John Lawlor?

Other notable films include "Wyatt Earp", "Gold", and "The Gumball Rally".