Ed Lauter Biography: Age, Wife, Children, Height, Net Worth, Parents, Movies & TV Shows

Edward Matthew Lauter Jr. also known as Ed Lauter is a famous American character actor and stand-up comedian known for his imposing presence, stern demeanor, and memorable supporting roles in over 200 films and television episodes.

Through tough-guy portrayals in classics like Cujo, Death Wish III, The Artist, and Born on the Fourth of July, as well as frequent appearances in Westerns and thrillers, he left a lasting impression as one of Hollywood’s most reliable and distinctive character performers.

Quick Facts

• Full Name: Edward Matthew Lauter Jr.
• Stage Name: Ed Lauter
• Born: October 30, 1938
• Age: 74 years old
• Died: October 16, 2013
• Birthplace: Long Beach, New York, United States
• Nationality: American
• Ethnicity: American
• Occupation: Actor, Stand-up Comedian
• Height: 6’2″ (188 cm)
• Religion: Christianity
• Parents: Edward Matthew Lauter and Sally Lee
• Siblings: Unknown
• Spouse: Mia Lauter
• Children: Four
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $5 million USD

Early Life and Education

Ed Lauter was born on October 30, 1938, in Long Beach, New York, United States. He was brought up by his parents, Mr. Edward Matthew Lauter and Mrs. Sally Lee, a 1920s Broadway actress and dancer, in Long Beach on Long Island. He grew up having unknown siblings.

After high school, he majored in English Literature and earned a B.A. degree in 1961 from the C.W. Post campus of Long Island University, where he also played basketball. He served two years in the U.S. Army. His ethnicity is American. His religion is Christianity.

Career

Ed Lauter started his screen career with his first theatrical film role in the Western Dirty Little Billy in 1972. He quickly became a sought-after character actor, often cast as authoritative or menacing figures due to his tall stature and intense gaze.

Notable film credits include The Magnificent Seven Ride, The Longest Yard, Family Plot, Cujo, Death Wish III, Raw Deal, Born on the Fourth of July, The Artist (as the butler/chauffeur), and many others spanning Westerns, horrors, and dramas.

On television, he appeared in series such as The A-Team, ER, Shameless (recurring role in his final year), and numerous guest spots across four decades. Lauter also continued stand-up comedy early in his career and worked consistently until shortly before his death from mesothelioma on October 16, 2013, at age 74 in Los Angeles.

His prolific output and ability to bring gravitas to supporting roles earned him respect as a dependable presence in Hollywood, collaborating with directors like Alfred Hitchcock and appearing alongside stars like Clint Eastwood and Bruce Dern.

Social Media

• Ed Lauter does not have a social media account.

Personal Life

Ed Lauter, who passed away at 74 years old, stood at a verified height of 6’2″ (188 cm). He was married four times. His final marriage was to Mia Lauter (also referred to as Marchell Doreen Williams in some records) from 2005/2006 until his death in 2013.

Previous marriages included Wanda “Future” Fulton (an actress and singer nearly 20 years his senior) in 1964, Marnie Lauter from 1985 to 2002, and another earlier union. He had four children from previous marriages: daughters Emma and Ameka, and sons Ben and Anton. No further details on past relationships are widely documented beyond the marriages. Ed prioritized family while maintaining a relatively private personal life focused on his craft.

Net Worth

Ed Lauter‘s net worth is estimated at $5 million USD. His income primarily came from decades of acting roles in feature films and television series through SAG-AFTRA contracts and residuals; consistent character work in over 200 credits including studio productions and independents; stand-up comedy performances early in his career; and royalties from international syndication and streaming of his extensive body of work.

Filmography

• Dirty Little Billy
• The Magnificent Seven Ride
• The Longest Yard
• Family Plot
• Cujo
• Death Wish III
• Raw Deal
• Born on the Fourth of July
• The Artist
• The A-Team (TV series)
• Shameless (TV series)
• ER (TV series)