LOS ANGELES (AP) - Lane Smith, a longtime character who played a small-town district attorney who crossed words with Joe Pesci in "My Cousin Vinny," died Monday. He was 69.
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
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!!!!
Jeanette Hendrix Cobb
October 19, 2024 | Other
Condolences to the family
Kenneth and Vanessa jenkins
June 18, 2024 | Other
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...
John Lusk
June 17, 2023 | Cleveland, OH
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.
Barbara Goode
October 24, 2021
An actor of memorable performances, often stealing the scene!
Kathleen Jones
December 26, 2020 | St Georges, PUERTO RICO
Just visiting again. R.I.P. Lane Smith!
David Miller
June 21, 2018 | Murrieta, CA
Great actor! Loved everything he did!
David Miller
May 27, 2018 | Murrieta, CA
Condolences.
Elizabeth Berkenkamp
November 03, 2017 | Phoenix, AZ
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.
Jennifer Ventura
September 20, 2017 | Euless, TX