Perry Lopez, veteran actor in iconic films and TV shows, dies(02-15) 17:14 PST Beverly Hills, Calif. (AP) --
Perry Lopez, a veteran film and television actor whose career ranged from roles in "Chinatown" to "Star Trek" has died. He was 78.
Lopez died of lung cancer Thursday at The Rehabilitation Centre of Beverly Hills, said actor James Victor, Lopez's executor and friend.
Born in New York, Lopez got his start on the stage before moving into film with an uncredited role in "The Creature from the Black Lagoon." He went on to appear in dozens of iconic movies and TV shows, including "The Lone Ranger,""Bonanza,""Charlie's Angels,""Mission: Impossible" and "Star Trek."
He starred opposite Jack Nicholson and Faye Dunaway as Lt. Lou Escobar in the 1974 classic "Chinatown." Lopez reprised the role in the 1990 sequel, "The Two Jakes," which featured Nicholson as director and star.
During his 40-year career, Lopez shared the screen with Jack Palance, Clint Eastwood, Omar Sharif, Barbara Eden, Elvis Presley and John Wayne.
Lopez is survived by several nieces and nephews.
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