John Lawlor - Actor Profile

John Lawlor

Acting
Updated: Apr 11, 2026
14Total 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

John Lawlor Movies & Career Overview

The filmography of John Lawlor reflects a career marked by diverse experimentation. Across 14 major appearances, the actor has built a reputation through performances in multiple genres and storytelling styles.

Dominant Genre

A large portion of John Lawlor's work falls within the Drama genre, where audiences tend to respond most strongly to their on-screen presence.

Success Ratio

Approximately 21% of John Lawlor's films maintain ratings above 6.5, indicating a consistent level of audience approval.

One of the most highly rated entries in their career remains The Flying Misfits, which stands out as a key performance.

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Best John Lawlor Movies Ranked

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

Full Filmography

Every movie John Lawlor has appeared in, with audience ratings and verdicts.

YearMovieCharacterSuccessMore
2016 Gold Mining Expert Hit Similar →
2014 Outlaw Prophet: Warren Jeffs Judge Shumate Average 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 14 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".

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