American actor Eric Lawson, who portrayed the rugged Marlboro man in cigarette advertisements, has died from lung disease.
Lawson, who appeared in print Marlboro adverts between 1978 and 1981, has passed away after suffering from respiratory failure due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), Sky News reported.
The 72-year-old, who started smoking at the age of 14, featured in episodes of hit US television drama serials Charlie's Angels, Dynasty and Baywatch.
'The Malboro Man' campaign was used to promote the tobacco giant's products, after it was originally conceived to popularize filtered cigarettes, which were considered feminine.
