Los Angels:  Eric Lawson, who was represented as the rough Marlboro man in cigarette advertisements during the late 1970 s, has died. He was 72.

Lawson died on January 10 at his home in San Luis Obispo because of respiratory failure. He was reported to have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD.

Previously, Lawson was an actor of TV shows. Later he was chosen to appear in print Marlboro ads from 1978 to 1981. His other notable performance includes Charlie’s Angels, Dynasty and Baywatch. His wife Susan Lawson said when there were certain drawbacks to Western film industry he ended his career in 1997.

A smoker since 14, Lawson later appeared in an interview on anti-smoking to discuss the negative effects of smoking.

Susan said that her husband was proud of the interview, even though he was smoking at that time. He was known that the cigarettes had vast influence on him which he couldn’t stop.