Prolific character actor of film and TV since the 1970s whose commanding glare, bald pate, lanky physique, and ramrod posture lend credibility to his often less than sympathetic portrayals of military brass, law men, and other men of authority. While most of his characters are fairly solemn, Lauter previously worked as a stand-up comic before turning into a professional tough guy. He works constantly and has amassed a huge number of credits in guest shots, TV-movies, miniseries, and feature films, usually in supporting roles, in a variety of genres including Westerns ("The Magnificent Seven