Art LaFleur was an American actor who is best known for his roles in Field of Dreams, The Sandlot, and Cobra. He was a versatile character actor recognized for often playing tough yet wise characters.
Personal and Family Life
Born on September 9, 1943, in Gary, Indiana, Art LaFleur worked in sales and the restaurant business before turning to acting. He married Shelley M. Friedman on September 4, 1981, and they had two children together: Joseph and Molly. He was known to be a family-oriented man who cherished his time with his grandchildren.
Career
Art’s acting career took off after moving to Los Angeles in 1975 at the age of 31. Initially aiming to be a screenwriter, he was encouraged by his friend Jonathan Banks to try acting instead. LaFleur became known for landing roles in both films and television, appearing in various productions until his last film in 2017.
Death and Legacy
LaFleur passed away on November 17, 2021, in Los Angeles, California, after a ten-year struggle with Parkinson’s disease. He left behind a legacy of memorable performances that continue to resonate with audiences, especially in classic films and television shows.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Field of Dreams | 1989-04-21 | Chick Gandil – 1B |
| The Man with One Red Shoe | 1985-07-18 | CIA Agent |
| Trancers | 1984-11-07 | McNulty |
| Speed Racer | 2008-05-07 | Fuji Announcer |
| Air America | 1990-08-10 | Jack Neely |
| Maverick | 1994-05-20 | Poker Player |
| The Sandlot | 1993-04-07 | The Babe |
| The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause | 2006-11-02 | Tooth Fairy |
| JAG | 1995-09-23 | Vice Admiral Richard Kern |
| Home Improvement | 1991-09-17 | Jim |