‘The Facts Of Life’ Actor John Lawlor Dead At 83

“The Facts of Life” actor John Lawlor died Feb. 13 at a veterans’ hospice facility in Albuquerque, New Mexico at the age of 83.

His death was confirmed by his family in an online obituary. Lawlor played headmaster Steven Bradley of the Eastland School for Girls on the first season of the NBC comedy “The Facts of Life.” The actor appeared in all 13 installments of the first season of the hit show. He went on to play a co-worker of Cloris Leachman’s in “Phyllis” as part of his several decades as an actor. Lawlor’s exact cause of death was not publicly reported.

John Lawlor dead at 83: The Facts Of Life and Phyllis star who also worked with Kevin Costner passes away https://t.co/jZ56r8mTeX

— Daily Mail Online (@MailOnline) February 24, 2025

His first onscreen appearances included “The Rockford Files” and “Ellery Queen,” as well as his role as a deputy in “Jackson County Jail.”

Lawlor’s film roles included “S.O.B” and “Wyatt Earp.” He also played a dad in a 1980s ad for the cereal Malt-O-Meal, saying the popular line, “Good stuff, Maynard!”

The actor’s credits included guest appearances on “Alice,” “Barney Miller,” “Newhart,” “T.J. Hooker,” “Sledge Hammer!,” “Breaking Bad,” “Knots Landing” and “Longmire.” He also appeared in “Billy Jack Goes to Washington” and “Movie Madness.”

Lawlor’s talents included work as an assistant director on features including “Excalibur,” “Angel,” “Highlander,” “A Prayer for the Dying” and “Driftwood.”

He also served in the U.S. Army in Vietnam, according to his obituary.

His family paid tribute to the actor by writing, “John will be remembered for his great love and affection for his family, his work and enjoyment of theater, television, movies, literature, and of course, his beloved horses.” (RELATED: R&B Legend Roberta Flack Dead At 88)

He leaves behind his children, Eric, Bryan, Annie, Elizabeth and Riel. He is also outlived by his brothers Thomas and Dave as well as three grandchildren.