John Lawlor, widely recognized for his performances in “The Facts of Life” and “Phyllis,” died at 83. His family made the announcement in his obituary, which was published on Monday, February 24. Lawlor passed away peacefully on February 13, 2025, at a veterans hospice facility in Albuquerque, New Mexico. His daughter, Riel, was at his side.
According to the obituary, Lawlor will be remembered for his immense love and affection for his family, his passion for theater, television, movies, literature, and his treasured horses.
Born on June 5, 1941, in Troy, New York, Lawlor was the eldest of six children. His family later relocated to Boulder, Colorado, where he spent his formative years. He earned his degree from the University of Colorado and was an active member of the Nomad Players, participating in numerous stage productions, including “Sweeney Todd.”
Before starting his acting career, Lawlor served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. His on-screen career began in the mid-1970s with roles in “The Rockford Files,” “Ellery Queen,” and “Jackson County Jail.”
In 1979, Lawlor landed his most recognizable role as Headmaster Steven Bradley at the Eastland School for Girls in the NBC sitcom The Facts of Life. He appeared in the show’s first season of 13 episodes but was replaced by Roger Perry’s character, Charles Parker, in the revamped second season.
Lawlor also played a notable role as Leonard Marsh, one of Cloris Leachman’s coworkers, in the CBS spinoff of “The Mary Tyler Moore Show,” “Phyllis,” from 1976 to 1977. Fans fondly remember his portrayal of the bumbling Leonard Marsh, working alongside Cloris Leachman’s Phyllis Lindstrom.
In 1981, Lawlor ventured into the film industry, debuting in Blake Edwards’ “S.O.B.” His filmography expanded with roles in “The Gumball Rally,” “Billy Jack Goes to Washington,” “National Lampoon’s Movie Madness,” and eventually, Lawrence Kasdan’s “Wyatt Earp” (1994).
Throughout the 1980s, Lawlor made frequent appearances on popular television shows such as “Alice,” “Barney Miller,” “Newhart,” “T.J. Hooker,” “Sledge Hammer!,” “Mr. Belvedere,” and “The Bold and the Beautiful.” He also featured in a memorable Malt-O-Meal cereal commercial, delivering the line “Good stuff, Maynard!” which became a popular phrase.
Lawlor’s television career extended into the 2000s and 2010s with roles in “Knots Landing,” “L.A. Law,” “Cold Case,” “Scoundrels,” “Breaking Bad,” and “Longmire.” His last credited role was in the Netflix western miniseries “Godless” in 2017.
Besides acting, Lawlor also worked as an assistant director and second unit director on several 1980s and 1990s films, including “Excalibur,” “Highlander,” and “A Prayer for the Dying.” He additionally served as a cinematographer and volunteered as a trainer for AmeriCorps Seniors in Denver.
In the wake of Lawlor’s death, “The Facts of Life” co-stars Mindy Cohn and Lisa Whelchel paid homage to him on social media, sharing recollections and extending their condolences.
Lawlor was previously married to Canadian actress Tantoo Cardinal from 1988 to 2000. He leaves behind five children: Riel, Eric, Bryan, Annie, Elizabeth Lawlor, and a stepson, Clifford Cardinal.
