Laurence Haddon, an actor and longtime resident in Pacific Palisades, died May 10 in Santa Monica from complications associated with Lewy body disease. He was 90.
Haddon, also known as Harry H. Schmidt, was born in Philadelphia in 1922 and attended Syracuse University. After Pearl Harbor he left college to train on the Pennsylvania School Ship and then served in the Merchant Marine during World War II as an officer on Liberty ships ferrying munitions, German prisoners and other cargo in the North Atlantic, Mediterranean and the Pacific.
After the war, Haddon did a brief stint in the aluminum business until he decided to become an actor. He moved to New York, where he was in numerous shows on and off-Broadway and in the early years of live television. He also toured in the national company of “Tea and Sympathy” and opened on Broadway in “The Warm Peninsula” with Julie Harris.
In 1958 Haddon married the actress and model Jacqueline Prevost. Two years later, he and his new family moved to Sherman Oaks, where he continued his career in film and TV. His feature credits included “The Graduate” and “Fantastic Voyage.” He appeared in countless TV shows and had running parts on “Dennis the Menace,” “Lou Grant,” “Knots Landing” and “General Hospital.”
Haddon played opposite Larry Hagman as J.R.’s banker on “Dallas,” and his non-stereotypical portrayal of a gay man on the innovative series “Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman” was heralded as a first on national television.
Throughout his life, Haddon never lost touch with his love of the stage. He was a consistent performer at The Melrose, one of the first and most enduring waiver theatres in Los Angeles.
Over the past 13 years, he lived with Jacqueline at Tahitian Terrace above PCH, where he enjoyed gardening, Scrabble, watching “Seinfeld,” and spending time with his family.
In addition to his wife, Haddon is survived by his children, Michael Schmidt (wife Eilene), Phoebe Neil (husband George) and Guy Prevost (wife Adrian), who all live in the Los Angeles area, and by his grandchildren, Zoe and Stephen. They will all miss his wit, generosity, charm, humor and love.
Memorial services will be announced. Donations can be made to the Actors Fund, 5757 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 400, Los Angeles, CA 90036.
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