Ed Lauter's widow, Mia Lauter, and some of his family members are suing CBS network and General Electric, the company which owned NBC, claiming that they did not protect him from asbestos exposure, which resulted in his death, reports the TMZ.
The famed actor died last October at the age of 74. His rep said that he breathed his last after battling mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer that is found in the lining surrounding most internal organs.
In her lawsuit, Mia claims that Ed contracted mesothelioma due to repeated exposure to asbestos in the TV studios, saying that Ed shot several shows for more than two decades in such harmful environments.
Mia is also suing Ford, alleging that a number of vehicle parts, such as the clutch facings, brakes and compressors marketed by the company, contained the deadly material.
Born Edward Matthew Lauter II on Oct. 30, 1938, Ed was a well-known face in Hollywood. Lauter appeared in more than 200 movies and television shows during his career spanning more than four decades. Notable appearances included "Seabiscuit," "Mulholland Falls" and "Leaving Las Vegas." He is probably best known for his portrayal of the brutal prison guard in "The Longest Yard" with Burt Reynolds.
In 2011, he appeared in the Oscar-winning film, "The Artist," in a butler's role opposite Berenice Bejo. Lauter also acted in Adam Sandler's remake of "Yard" in 2005.
In an interview with the Los Angeles Times in 2013, he expressed satisfaction at having flourished in such a tough industry.
"A lot of people say, 'I know you,' but they don't know my name," Lauter said. "But I've had a great run."
