Character actor Ed Lauter, 74, died earlier this week. His name may leave one thinking, “Who?” But his face is familiar.

My nephew, Dan, however, is a huge fan of Lauter’s work and knows his face, his name and his work. Last year Dan was out on the town in Manhattan with his friends when he ducked into a restaurant  – and saw Lauter dining with his wife and friends.

Dan, extremely charming, went to Lauter’s table and started to chat. Lauter invited Dan to join them. Soon, Dan’s friends joined the group. Lauter bought drinks, asked questions and seemed just as interested in Dan’s work and life as Dan was in his. Hours later they departed the restaurant.

The entertainment industry mourns a good character actor and, as Dan knows, a man of good character, too.

(S-R archives photo: September 23, 2012)

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