Edward Albert, who starred opposite Goldie Hawn in the 1972 comedy "Butterflies Are Free" and was the son of "Green Acres" actor Eddie Albert, has died. He was 55.
Albert died Friday from lung cancer at his home in Malibu, said Alan Silberberg, a family friend.
Albert's middle name was Laurence — after family friend and acting legend Laurence Olivier, who was his godfather.
Albert, who attended Oxford University and studied psychology at UCLA, made his film debut at 14 in the 1965 drama "The Fool Killer." In "Butterflies Are Free," he played a blind attorney who attempts to break free from his overly protective mother, earning a Golden Globe as most promising male newcomer.
His movies included "40 Carats," "The Ice Runner" and "Guarding Tess." Among his TV credits were appearances on "Falcon Crest," "Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman" and "Port Charles."
Albert also was passionate about the environment, serving on the California Coastal Commission and the state's Native American Heritage Commission.
He spent the last 10 years caring for his father, who died in 2005 at 99. Albert is survived by his wife, actress Kate Woodville; their daughter, Thais; and his sister, Maria Zucht.
Copyright 2006 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
