An actor who appeared as the Marlboro Man in a series of ads in the late 1970s and early 1980s has died of a smoking-related illness.

The iconic Marlboro Man ads ran from the 1950s through to 1999. A number of actors have played the character both on screen and in print and many of these are known to have lost their lives to smoking-related illnesses.

This latest death involves Eric Lawson, who played the character in ads from 1978 to 1981.

Mr Lawson (72) had been suffering with COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). COPD is an umbrella term for a number of chronic lung disorders, including bronchitis and emphysema. It is a progressive, disabling condition caused by a narrowing of the airways. Smoking is the main cause.

The former actor started smoking when he was just 14 and according to his wife, Susan Lawson, while he knew cigarettes were bad for his health, they ‘had a hold on him'.

He is survived by his wife and six children.