TEMPO.CO, Los Angeles – Former advertising actor of 1970s Marlboro advertising died of respiratory failure. Eric Lawson, 72 years-old, died at his resident San Luis Obispo, California on January 10, 2014. According to his wife, Lawson died because of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Lawson, who had been actively smoking since he was 14 years-old, appeared in Marlboro ads as a cowboy between 1978 and 1981. His pictures holding a cigarette with nature views in the background circulated from 1954 to 1999.

During his career, Lawson also appeared in television shows, such as 'Baretta' and 'The Streets of San Fransisco'. He also appeared in Charlie's Angels serial, Dynasty, and Baywatch, before an injury ended his film career in 1997.

Later, he appeared in an anti-smoking commercial that parodied the Marlboro Man, and was featured in an episode of 'Entertainment Tonight' that discussed the negative effects of smoking.

According to Susan, his husband was proud of the interview, although he was still smoking and did not stop the habit until he was diagnosed to suffer from COPD.

DAILY MAIL | NATALIA SANTI