David McLean was an American actor who is best known for his role as the Marlboro Man, and appearances in several television shows and movies. He was born on May 19, 1922, in Greentown, Ohio, and passed away on October 12, 1995, in Culver City, California.
Personal and Family Life
David McLean was born Eugene Joseph Huth to Henry Nicholas Huth and Lauretta Ann Keller. He was married twice, first to Jessie Gordon Burchett from 1946 until their divorce in 1955, and then to Lilo Diane Haig from 1956 until his death in 1995. He had one child from his second marriage. Before his acting career, he worked as an architect and cartoonist.
Career and Acting
McLean gained fame in the 1960s as “The Marlboro Man” in a series of commercials for Marlboro cigarettes. His portrayal in these ads made him well-known, and he later became an anti-smoking advocate after being diagnosed with lung cancer, which he attributed to his heavy smoking. He actively campaigned for restrictions on cigarette advertising on television and became a notable figure in raising awareness about smoking-related health issues.
Death and Legacy
David McLean died on October 12, 1995, from lung cancer, which he battled after many years of smoking. His legacy includes not only his work in advertising and film but also his efforts to combat the tobacco industry and promote health awareness. The character inspired by him in the book and film “Thank You for Smoking” highlights his significant impact on advertising and public health discussions.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom of the Spiders | 1977-08-24 | Sheriff Gene Smith |
| Nevada Smith | 1966-06-10 | Romero |
| X-15 | 1961-12-22 | Matt Powell |
| Deathsport | 1978-04-01 | Lord Zirpola |
| The Strangler | 1964-04-01 | Lt. Frank Benson |
| Hughes and Harlow: Angels in Hell | 1978-01-01 | Billy |
| The Right Approach | 1961-05-17 | Bill Sikulovic |
| Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea | 1961-07-12 | Ned Thompson (Uncredited) |
| The Silent Call | 1961-05-10 | Joe Brancato |
| Way Down Cellar | 1968-01-07 | Prof. Wilson |
| The Andromeda Strain | 1971-03-12 | Sen. McKenzie |
| The Storm | 1962-01-21 | Ben T. Willsom |
| Captain Fathom | 1955-01-01 | Seaman Duncan |
| I Dream of Jeannie | 1965-09-18 | Jason Huberts |
| That Girl | 1966-09-08 | |
| Gunsmoke | 1955-09-10 | Webb |
| Perry Mason | 1957-09-21 | Trevor Harris |
| Daniel Boone | 1964-09-24 | Smith |
| Tate | 1960-06-08 | Tate |
| The Streets of San Francisco | 1972-09-23 | |
| Lancer | 1968-09-24 | Sheriff |
| The Fugitive | 1963-09-17 | Sheriff |
| The Virginian | 1962-09-19 | Burt Adams |
| Thriller | 1960-09-13 | Ben T. Willsom |
| Laramie | 1959-09-15 | |
| The Guns of Will Sonnett | 1967-09-08 | |
| General Electric True | 1962-09-30 | |
| The Virginian | 1962-09-19 | Troy |
| The Virginian | 1962-09-19 | Governor James |
| Bonanza | 1959-09-12 | Marshal Steve Fallon |
| Ironside | 1967-03-28 | Gus Hadley |