Peter Lawford

Peter Lawford
Macfadden Publications page 2 · Public domain · source
Name	Peter Lawford
Birth date	September 7, 1923
Birth place	London, England
Death date	December 24, 1984
Death place	Los Angeles, California
Occupation	Actor, Rat Pack member

Peter Lawford was a British-American actor, singer, and member of the Rat Pack, a group of entertainers that included Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., and Joey Bishop. He was known for his charismatic on-screen presence and his high-profile marriages, including to Patricia Kennedy, sister of John F. Kennedy and Robert F. Kennedy. Lawford's career spanned over three decades, during which he appeared in numerous films and television shows, including Ocean's 11 and The Thin Man. He was also a frequent performer at the Cal Neva Lodge in Lake Tahoe, Nevada, alongside other Rat Pack members.

● Early Life

Peter Lawford was born on September 7, 1923, in London, England, to Sydney Turing Barlow Lawford and May Somerville Bunny. His family moved to France and then to America, where he attended Harvard University and developed an interest in acting. Lawford's early career was influenced by his mother, who was a Broadway actress and introduced him to the world of theater and performance. He began his acting career on Broadway, appearing in productions such as Lady in the Dark and The Pert Kelton Show. Lawford's early life was also marked by his association with the British aristocracy, including his friendship with Lord Louis Mountbatten and his marriage to Patricia Kennedy, which connected him to the Kennedy family and Joseph P. Kennedy Sr..

● Career

Lawford's film career began in the 1940s, with roles in movies such as Sons of Lassie and The White Cliffs of Dover. He gained popularity in the 1950s and 1960s, appearing in films like Exodus and Advise & Consent, alongside actors such as Paul Newman and Charles Laughton. Lawford's most notable role was as Jimmy Foster in the Rat Pack film Ocean's 11, which also starred Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Sammy Davis Jr.. He also appeared in Sergeants 3 and Robin and the 7 Hoods, both of which featured the Rat Pack ensemble. Lawford's career was also marked by his appearances on television, including guest roles on shows like The Jack Benny Program and The Andy Williams Show.

● Personal Life

Lawford's personal life was highly publicized, particularly his marriage to Patricia Kennedy, which connected him to the Kennedy family and the American political scene. He was also known for his friendships with other Hollywood stars, including Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin, with whom he performed at the Cal Neva Lodge in Lake Tahoe, Nevada. Lawford's life was also marked by his struggles with addiction and his later years, during which he appeared in fewer films and focused on his personal life. He was a member of the Screen Actors Guild and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, and he supported various charitable causes, including the March of Dimes and the American Cancer Society.

● Filmography

Lawford's filmography includes a wide range of movies, from dramas like The Proud and Profane to comedies like Salt and Pepper. Some of his notable films include Ocean's 11, Sergeants 3, and Robin and the 7 Hoods, all of which featured the Rat Pack ensemble. He also appeared in films like Exodus and Advise & Consent, which dealt with serious themes like politics and social justice. Lawford's film career was also marked by his appearances in British films, including The White Cliffs of Dover and Sons of Lassie. He worked with directors like John Sturges and Lewis Milestone, and he appeared alongside actors like Paul Newman and Charles Laughton.

● Death and Legacy

Peter Lawford died on December 24, 1984, in Los Angeles, California, due to complications from a heart attack. His death was mourned by his friends and colleagues, including Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin, who had performed with him at the Cal Neva Lodge in Lake Tahoe, Nevada. Lawford's legacy is that of a charismatic actor and performer who was part of the Rat Pack and appeared in numerous films and television shows. He is remembered for his roles in movies like Ocean's 11 and The Thin Man, and his association with the Kennedy family and the American political scene. Lawford's life and career have been the subject of various books and documentaries, including The Rat Pack and Lawford: The Man Behind the Rat Pack. He is buried at the Westwood Village Memorial Park Cemetery in Los Angeles, California, alongside other Hollywood stars like Marilyn Monroe and Truman Capote. Category:American actors