Lawford, Peter, 1923-1984

Film and television actor, producer and entertainer.

Peter Lawford was born to Sir Sidney and Lady May Lawford in London, England on September 7, 1923. He moved with his family from England to France, Hawaii, Ceylon, Nassau, and Florida before he went to Hollywood. Here, he completed three films in two years and went on to secure a twelve-year contract with MGM. He also acted on television in such shows as The Thin Man and was a member of Frank Sinatra's Rat Pack until he and Sinatra fell out over political issues in the 1960s. His many prominent acquaintances included Elizabeth Taylor, Lana Turner, Marilyn Monroe, the Kennedy family, and Nancy (Davis) Reagan. Lawford was married four times: to Patricia Kennedy (1954-1966), to Mary Rowan (1971-1975), to Deborah Gould (1976-1977), and finally to Patricia Seaton (1984). He had four children with his first wife, Christopher, Sydney Maleia Kennedy, Victoria Francis, and Robin Elizabeth. Peter Lawford died in Los Angeles on December 24, 1984.