Lane Smith died Monday, June 13, at his home in Los Angeles. The 69-year-old actor lost his battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, aka Lou Gehrig's disease, and left behind his wife, siblings, son, and stepson.
Smith was born in Memphis, Tennessee, and discovered his talent for acting while enrolled in a Michigan prep school. He served in the army in his early 20s, then resumed pursuit of his chosen career by attending the Actor's Studio school of drama in New York City. His first television role was in the 1980 miniseries Gideon's Trumpet.
Smith was known for his portrayal of Daily Planet editor Perry White in Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman, as well as for his turn as Richard Nixon in the TV movie The Final Days. However, Smith was also an accomplished stage and film actor. His most recent appearance was in the 2000 Robert Robert-directed movie The Legend of Bagger Vance.
Comments (26)
He was an amazing actor, and brought so much light to the show, god bless him and may he rest in peace :)
RIP
I liked Lane Smith quite a lot. I first took notice of him the the mini series "V". From then on liked his acting.
He was fantastic as Perry White, and also my favorite portrayal. If it hadn't been for him, I'm sure Lois & Clark wouldn't have been half as good as it was. RIP
He will be missed. We loved his acting.
Rodney
awe that so totally stinks!
He was awesome on Lois and Clark! He cracked me up constantly! We'll miss you!
I met him and his stepson several times when he came to my business in a northern Michigan Airport back in the 90's. He seemed like a very nice guy. Contrary to what the biography says, the Leelanau School is in Glen Arbor...not Ann Arbor, MI. There are a few other actors and notables that came from this school. He was up there to receive an award. I just saw the news that he died today...so sad...he was a very good actor.
i never knew that... im totally addicted to lois and clark, its so horrible he's gone. he was awesome, and way too young to die.
Lane Smith was brilliant in Lois and Clark, one of the best things in the show and its really bad that he has passed away.
A so funny guy ! That's really too bad :(
i cant believe hes gone, he was so funny on lois and clark.
I don't really saw movies of him but I watch him now everyday on tv in lois and clark. Here in Holland they repeat the show and I'm always laughing about Perry White and I just can't believe he's gone.. I'm really gonna miss him. I just want too know what dean and teri think.. I think they miss him too but I don't know... wel Lane I'm really gonna miss you!!
Lane Smith's portrayal of Perry White was a refreshing update of the Daily Planet's boss. His "Chief" was a better interpretation than Jackie Cooper's performances in the Superman films. Perry's devotion to Elvis was a great way to make the character more contemporary. Mr. Smith will be missed.
That is so sad! :( He'll be missed.
My God!<br />
<br />
I had now idea that Poor Mr.Smith<br />
<br />
was ill with ALS?<br />
<br />
What a horrible way to spend<br />
<br />
one's last days.<br />
<br />
But..Thank God for film..his<br />
<br />
legacies of acting on film and<br />
<br />
on tv will live on.<br />
<br />
Thank You for what you have<br />
<br />
left Mr.Smith(Crying)Goodbye<br />
<br />
Dear Sir!<br />
<br />
Kevin S.Butler At Stanbabe@Bellsouth.<br />
<br />
Net.
Yah that ***s but who is robert robert...never heard of him... maybe robert redford
i loved him in V, he was just so naughty. i can't believe that he could die so young.<br />
<br />
i'm upset.
he was awesome in son in law
Aw...he was so good on Lois and Clark. He really brought the character too life. He'll be greatly missed.
That is sad, he was a great character on the show. <br />
I don't think people will forget him.
June 10th was a Friday.
Aww! thats so sad! Perry was an awesome character. Love to his family and friends.
:|
I don't mean to nit pick, but Monday was June 13th, not the 10th.<br />
<br />
He did a great job in his role as Peery White and in every movie role I have seen him in. This year Superman fans have lost a lot of good actors.
oh my god