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Lane Smith Obituary
Smith, who also played Richard Nixon in the TV movie "The Final Days" and Daily Planet editor Perry White in "Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman," died at his home in Los Angeles, according to his wife, Debbie Benedict Smith.
Born in Memphis, Smith appeared in numerous films and television shows. Most recently, he appeared in the 2000 movie "The Legend of Bagger Vance," starring Will Smith and Matt Damon.
Lane Smith also appeared in the original stage production of "Glengarry Glen Ross" and the revival of "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest."
Film credits include "The Distinguished Gentleman," "Son in Law," "The Mighty Ducks" and "The Hi-Lo Country."
Besides his wife, Smith is survived by his son Robbie, 18, and a brother and sister. He also has a 19-year-old stepson.
Copyright © 2005 The Associated Press
80 Entries
Jeanette Hendrix Cobb
October 19, 2024
Like so many others on here I didn't know of this wonderful actors passing until just a bit ago. I also never knew he was from Memphis, Tn, about 60 miles West of me. My Husband and I just watched "Son In Law". Mr. Lane was so funny in this movie and amazing. So sorry to read he passed and my sincere sympathies to his family. R.I.P Mr. Lane you were magnificent!!!!
Kenneth and Vanessa jenkins
June 18, 2024
Condolences to the family
John Lusk
June 17, 2023
I’ve never been a super-big TV viewer, but just seeing Lane portraying Nixon in “The Final Days” was enough to make a fan of me. That conviction was further solidified when I watched him play a fictional anchorman named Emmet Seaborn in “From the Earth to the Moon,” another magnificent contribution to the genre by Tom Hanks. I have consequently resolved to watch Lane in as many other roles as I can. I’m an older “Boomer” and consequently have seen many very good actors; I have come to rank Lane Smith as one of THE best. It’s difficult for me to find the words to describe my feelings concerning his death from the horrid ALS, which many know better as Lou Gehrig’s disease, an affliction that medical science seems unable to cure. It is good that we have a film industry that has enabled Lane Smith to give ALS a giant middle finger. It has been 18 years since we lost you, Lane, but your superb acting has conferred immortality enabling us to give our middle fingers to ALS.
Barbara Goode
October 24, 2021
I was so sorry to learn of Lane´s death. He was a talented stage actor with so much presence, and who could forget his role in My Cousin Vinny? He was fabulous. My sincere sympathies to his family and friends. He is missed.
How you can show support
Kathleen Jones
December 26, 2020
An actor of memorable performances, often stealing the scene!
David Miller
June 21, 2018
Just visiting again. R.I.P. Lane Smith!
David Miller
May 27, 2018
Great actor! Loved everything he did!
Elizabeth Berkenkamp
November 3, 2017
Condolences.
Jennifer Ventura
September 20, 2017
Sorry to hear about lanes passing, here it is 2017 and didn't know he was gone. I enjoyed his movies very much. Rest in peace Lane.
Harry Simpson
June 14, 2016
Thank you for sharing a part of your life with us. Godspeed.
Rest Lane, until you hear at dawn,
the low, clear reveille of God.
Thank you for your service to this nation.
Tom Dunne
May 19, 2016
I have enjoyed all of Lane's roles especially Richard Nixon and I really enjoyed his take on Perry White. Thanks for your years of entertainment. I hope your face to face with the Lord now.
jennifer schwartz
April 24, 2016
not the might ducks movie miss you so much
love Jennifer schwartz
August 22, 2015
Sorry to hear of Lane's passing. Chanced to see an old rerun included him. We grew up together on Natchez Lane in Memphis.
Lois Jeater
August 11, 2015
you are very much missed and still loved. You were the best perry white for lois and clark the new adventures of superman!!! So loved and very much missed there will never be another Lane smith you were one of a kind!!!!
Jane
July 22, 2015
I am currently watching episodes of Lois and Clark the new Adventures of superman and it reminded me of what an amazing actor Lane Smith was. A lot of time has passed since his death but his memory would never die.
Jane
Jim Brown
June 9, 2015
I just watched my cousin vinny and was remembered how much I enjoyed Lane Smith's acting. He was an amazing actor and just a joy to watch. My father also died in 2005. RIP Lane Smith. I hope his family the best in dealing with his loss.
Robbie Amos
February 23, 2014
Lane I met you at my sister Jackie Amos Bowens reunion at The Leelanau Schools in Glen Arbor Michigan. You were loved very much by Major Huey, Cora Beals and Charlie Shinn. I had met you at my sisters wedding. You made me laugh then and at the reunion. You will be missed.
Amy Barwick
February 28, 2007
I was very Sorry to hear about Lane Smith passing. I learned about his death by watching season greeting with Mr Cain commentry and he said about him passing away my heart goes out to his family
Jessie Tello
August 24, 2006
You were great on Lois and Clark we'll miss you
Eve Sander
March 9, 2006
I’ve just learned from imdb.com of Lane’s passing. What a wonderful actor! Living overseas, I’ve missed some of his work. His Nixon must surely be superb. But my favorite is his Senator Dick Dodge, in “The Distinguished Gentleman”. When Dodge’s wrongdoing is exposed in public, Lane masterfully manages to combine –- at the same time! -- the oily, genial grin of a politician with the frantic, desperate eyes of a politically doomed man…
But beyond his art, what a lovely man! His personal warmth glowed out of him; just seeing him imparted, to me, a sense of impish good nature and imperturbable strength. And I loved – by video, will still love -- to hear his mellow Tennessean tones. He was… will always be… so real.
Thank you, God, for letting us know him. And Lane… y’all take care now, heah?
Trayc F
November 29, 2005
My husband and I flew into Sioux Falls, SD to see my family and saw Mr. Smith in the airport getting his gun checked ~ it was pheasant season. Besides loving him in so many roles he played he now carried a special place in my "favorites" category because he knew the best is usually found in the un-flashy and down-to-earth things ~ much like his character. We have lost an American treasure. God bless you all ~ with my continuing prayers for comfort in his passing.
Belva
June 21, 2005
The first time I ever saw Lane was in Gideon's Trumpet. Being from Tallahassee it of course caught my attention and his portrayal of Fred Turner was spot on. I next saw him in Soggy Bottom USA and loved his "aw shucks" folksy attitude. My favorite will always be his episode in the Earth to the Moon mini-series. With him gone the only way now to hear that beautiful voice will be in the media choices he left us.
Remy Balonon
June 21, 2005
Mr. .Smith was one of my favorite actors. He was very a versatile actor. He will be missed. His family will be in my prayers.
Scott Fettig
June 20, 2005
He did a great job playing some great rolls. Lane will be missed. God Bless,
George Touliatos
June 20, 2005
Much admiration and affection for a man who dedicated himself to the art of acting with such honesty and joy. Goodbye old friend
Morgan Higbee
June 20, 2005
I am so deeply sorry for the passing of this great man. He was a talented actor and will always be the one and only Perry White in my eyes. My condolences go out to his family and friends. The world lost a wonderful man and actor!
May you fly with the angels Mr. Smith.
Pete Morgan
June 19, 2005
I was very sad to hear the new of Mr. Lane Smith. I was, and always will be a huge fan of this talented actor. May God bless the family, his friends, his fans, and his memory. Thanks to God, Mr. Smith, and his family for sharing him with us.
JACK SALYERS
June 18, 2005
LANE WAS A VERY TALENTED ACTOR, ONE OF MY FAVORITE. MY PRAYERS ARE WITH THE FAMILY.
Curtis Rostad
June 17, 2005
I was an extra in a movie Mr. Smith was in when I lived in Wyoming. What a great guy. My sympathy to his family.
Lynn Lee
June 16, 2005
Sorry for your loss. A very talented man indeed and we
are grateful for the hours he entertained us. My favorites were
Son In Law, and My Cousin Vinny.
We will miss him on the big screen!
Chuck Norris
June 16, 2005
One of the finest actors that I'll ever meet.Now fly with the angels, my good friend.
Sincerely,
Charles Norris
Lane Fowler
June 16, 2005
Sorry to see my name sake, leave us.
I know he as gone to a better, place. My Prayers are with your family.
Crystal (Mikesell) Tucker
June 16, 2005
Excellent actor. I enjoyed every film he was in. Thanks for the laughs.
Jennifer
June 16, 2005
As you walk along with the heavenly entertainers that once were... please know that you will always will be admired.
fondly,
Jennifer
shawna cassidy
June 16, 2005
My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. Sleep Well
Tanya Lozano
June 16, 2005
I did not know till now that Mr Smith had passed away and I'm very sorry. He was a great actor! He will be missed. My prayers are with you and your family. May God bless and again my condolences.
Michael T. DeCario
June 16, 2005
To the Smith Family,
I'm sorry for your loss, and know that all of you will be in my prayers. I believe that whenever we lose a loved one, that's when we know an angel by name, and this angel is named Lane.
My your memories give you the strength you need to get through the times ahead.
June 16, 2005
goodbye old buddy you were the best actor i ever seen play the governer dick dodge . you made it feel so real. and you were the best in son in law as walter.it reminded me of my dad.
Laureen Jordan
June 16, 2005
Wish to share my enjoyment of Mr.Lane's many roles. I was saddened to hear of his passing.
Brandi Chester
June 16, 2005
What a great actor!I give my condolences to the family.I too have lost someone very special to me this week(my grandma),and know the feeling of loss, but if Mr. Smith knew the LORD Jesus he is in a better place as is my grandma. You will be able to see him again.
frank S
June 16, 2005
Was damn good in Honeysuckle Rose !!!
Melinda Coalson
June 16, 2005
Character actors often labor in anonymity for the length of their careers. But Mr. Smith was special. When I heard his name, his face immediately came to mind. His performances enriched and entertained us. He will be sorely missed. My sympathy to his family and friends.
Debra & Mark Moorhead
June 16, 2005
Our deepest condolences on the loss of a magnificent talent. The body of work he leaves behind will ensure that he will never be forgotten.
yvonne Benavente
June 16, 2005
Lane family I am truly sorry for your loss we have all lost a good actor and individual
Sister McRae
June 16, 2005
Lane Smith will surely be missed. I happened upon his obiturary when
checking the guest book for my brother killed recently in motorcycle accident. I always appreciate Lane's professionalism in everything he protrayed. Blessings to you and your family.
MELLONIE Hardgraves
June 16, 2005
Lane Smith was such a great actor
he will be missed by so many .
I loved him in Son-In-Law.
Larry Taylor
June 16, 2005
The Heavenly Theater is richer today. Rest in peach, Mr. Smith.
Tia Gray
June 16, 2005
My thought and prayers are with your family. Mr. Smith will always remain in everyones heart. I loved his movies. He was a great actor. May you find comfort in the fact that God always picks the prettiest flowers for his bouquest. I am truly sorry for your loss.
Sincerely
Tia Gray
Jane Becker
June 16, 2005
I was so sorry to see that Lane has passed on. He was the best "Perry White" I have ever seen. Loved his spunk.
SHARON DALEY
June 16, 2005
MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO THE LANE FAMILY.
Missy
June 16, 2005
Rest in peace.
Teresa Pitts
June 16, 2005
My prayers and thoughts are with you.
Cindy Koons-Warner
June 16, 2005
To the Smith Family:
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of Lane, he was a great actor I loved him in Son-in-law and my cousin vinny . he will be greatly missed. May god be with his family at this time of sorrow.....
Rikiey Roc
June 16, 2005
Great Actor. My sympathy to the family.
Ann Wilkinson
June 16, 2005
One of the finest actors I have ever seen. You will be sadly missed by me and the public. God receive you with open arms.
kim price
June 16, 2005
To The Smith Family: I'm so sorry to hear about the passing of Lane. I enjoyed watching him in the movies. Just know he is in a better place now. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Tom & Donna Stokes
June 16, 2005
One of the greatest actors of our day. May God bless the family with your loss and to his fans.
Sylvia
June 16, 2005
O my..... i do remember him. He was the mayor in an alien series a few years back with Marc Singer. Can't remember the name of the series now, but he was really great in it. He played the conniving mayor out to get rich from the aliens who came down and integrated in humans..... He was great then as well as other movies listed. His talent will be missed truly!
Martha Latta
June 15, 2005
God blessed you and your family.He will be missed.God blessed.
LINDA ANN MARCIEZYK
June 15, 2005
TO THE SMITH FAMILY, IAM VERY SORRY TO HEAR OF THE PASSING OF LANE, HE WAS A GREAT CHARACTER ACTOR. WHO WILL NOT BE FORGOTTEN. AGAIN I'M SORRY. LINDA MARCIEZYK
THERESA ANN FALLEN
June 15, 2005
what a shock, he was a great actor, i really enjoyed him in my cousin vinny, may he rest in peace, and god bless the family theresa
Ivey Lewicki
June 15, 2005
Oh my gosh! I can't believe this man died. I absolutely loved his work. Especially in "Son In Law!" May he rest in the soothing arms of God.
Sandi Tolman
June 15, 2005
I just purchased the 1st season of Lois & Clark and enjoyed seeing Lane Smith as Perry White. He was great for that role. I also enjoyed him in Son-in-Law. Thanks for entertaining us all these years. My prayers are with his family.
Jackie Schulz
June 15, 2005
To the Smith Family.
He will be missed - May God Bless you and your family. I really enjoyed Lane in My Cousin Vinny and Son-in-law with Pauly Shore. He was a very talented actor. you will be in my prayers.
rhonda nieweglowski
June 15, 2005
Mr. smith rest in peace! enjoyed watching you in son in-law!
Brian
June 15, 2005
I always loved Lane's authentic Southern accent, especially since he usually played characters who weren't moronic rednecks. He helped educate the world that the two didn't necessarily go hand-in-hand. My condolences.
Randy Quade
June 15, 2005
My condolences to the Smith family. Lane was one of my favorite character actors and I will always remember him from "The Distinguished Gentleman" and "Son-in-Law". May he eternally rest in peace....
Aretha Jones
June 15, 2005
I watched "My Cousin Vinny"... over, and over again. I often wondered what happen to him. Now that I know, May I express my condolences, and say that I will always remember him.
Clifford Fewel
June 15, 2005
You gotta love the moment he said, "The state moves to dismiss all charges!" and the "Vinny" courtroom erupted with joy. He was a fine actor and a true light.
June 15, 2005
What a loss for us all.
Jen Williams
June 15, 2005
I couldn't believe that he died. He was one of the greatest actors in my eyes. I liked him in Son In Law with Pauly Shore. Well he is in a better place now.
My saddness goes out to his family and friends.
Danny
June 15, 2005
Rest In Piece Mr.Smith ,You Made a
Lot Of People Laugh In Your Short
Lifetime.
DON HARPT
June 15, 2005
Lane was brilliant in a movie many years co-starring Linda Lavin where he had played a wealthy Houston area businessman who secretly wanted to divorce his wife. The family had about 12 children, moved to Australia. Linda in her role, later became a nun. This was based on a true story. That is how my wife and I remember Lane Smith. He'll be sadly missed by the movie industry.
Debbie Sellars
June 15, 2005
I loved Mr. Smith's characters; always a little quirky and funny. I know his friends and family will have wonderful memories. May he always be at peace.
donna roache
June 15, 2005
Rest in peace...
Kevin Kidd
June 15, 2005
My condolences to Mr. Smith's family and friends. You are all in my prayers. Mr. Smith was one of my favorite character actors. I particularly enjoyed his characters in "My Cousin Vinny" and "Mighty Ducks." He will be missed.
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