Actor Paul Gleason Has Passed Away At 67

Paul Gleason has died of mesothelioma, a rare form of lung cancer that’s been linked to asbestos exposure. Gleason died at Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center in Burbank, California where his illness was diagnosed only a month ago.

My favorite role Gleason played was that tight-assed LAPD boss in Die Hard, Deputy Police Chief Dwayne T. Robinson. He was in over 130 films and TV shows during his brilliant career.

I met Gleason a few years ago at a Golden Boot Awards, BBQ dinner I attended in Studio City. He was a fun guy to meet. I could not remember his real name so I called him Deputy Chief Robinson. He laughed and took it in stride. I told him that I thought he played a very convincing police boss.