'Lawman': Inside Actor John Russell's Cause Of Death

Born on January 3, 1921 in Los Angeles, California, actor John Russell was known for his role as "Marshal Dan Troop" in the Western TV show 'Lawman'. In the series, the actor shared screen with Peter Brown and James Drury, appearing in 156 episodes between 1958 and 1962.

John Russell, who had two younger siblings, attended the University of California as a student athlete. By 1945, however, he had already signed a contract with 20th Century Fox and got his first role as a guard in the comedy-drama film 'A Royal Scandal'.The same year he landed two other roles, as "Capt. Anderson" in 'A Bell for Adano', and as "Rogers" in 'Within These Walls'.

While you might remember him for 'Lawman', John Russell had previously appeared in two episodes of the third season of 'Cheyenne'. 

After 'Lawman' he starred as "Commander Stone" in the series 'Jason of Star Command' (1979).

On the big screen, John Russell appeared in at least 50 movies, being some of the most notable 'The Outlaw Josey Wales' (1976) and 'Pale Rider' (1985), both directed by Clint Eastwood.

As many other stars from his time, John Russell served in the United States Marine Corps during the Second World War. 

After being promoted as lieutenant during the Guadalcanal battle, the actor got severely wounded and contracted malaria. He was sent back to the United States to receive treatment and was eventually discharged from the Corps.

As of his personal life, Russell married two times. In 1943 he tied the knot with Renata Titus. The couple divorced in 1965.

Later on, he married Lavergne Warner in 1970, but their marriage ended the following year. According to IMDb, Warner was way younger than him.

The actor had three children, although details about them have remained out of the spotlight. 

Russell was often typecast, as most of his characters were sneering, sarcastic, tall villains of Western TV shows.

When Russell wasn't acting, he used to spend some time at Soledad Canyon, California-based Ralph Helfer's Africa U.S.A. Exotic Animal Ranch, playing with animals and volunteering for whatever chores needed. The place was frequently visited by many Hollywood stars.

Quick facts about the 'Lawman' actor:

• He was discovered by an agent in a Beverly Hills restaurant
• Eventually became a regular cast member in Clint Eastwood movies
• Was a lookalike for aviator-turned-actor John Trent, known for the "Tailspin Tommy" film series
• Lived most of his life in Los Angeles
• His final role took place in 1988, as "Simon" in 'Under the Gun'

'Lawman' actor John Russell died on January 19, 1991, in Los Angeles, California, only two weeks after turning 70. 

At the time, his son, John James, said that the star had died of complications from emphysema at a Los Angeles hospital.

It was then informed that Russell was buried at a Westwood, California military cemetery.