Allan Lane was a popular actor who starred in many western films and serials in the 1940s and 1950s. He was also the voice of the talking horse Mister Ed in the classic TV sitcom. But how did he die and what was his cause of death?
Early Life and Career
Allan Lane was born Harry Leonard Albershardt on September 22, 1909, in Mishawaka, Indiana. He was interested in acting from a young age and joined a Cincinnati stock company. He later moved to New York and appeared in various theater projects. He was discovered by a Fox talent scout in 1929 and made his film debut in Not Quite Decent.
He had trouble rising in stature in Hollywood and left in 1932. He returned a few years later and played supporting roles in several films, such as Stowaway with Shirley Temple and Twelve Crowded Hours with Lucille Ball. He signed with Republic in 1940 and found success as a leading man in westerns and serials. He played the role of RCMP Sergeant Dave King in several adaptations of Zane Grey’s novels. He also replaced Wild Bill Elliott as Red Ryder in seven films.
Rocky Lane and Mister Ed
In 1947, he became Rocky Lane, the name he used for most of his western films. He had a faithful horse named Blackjack and a sidekick named Eddy Waller. He made over 30 B-movie westerns as Rocky Lane until 1953. He then left films and toured with circuses and rodeo shows. He also starred in the TV series Red Ryder in 1951.
He may be better remembered today for his voice-over work as the voice of Mister Ed, the talking horse, in the TV series of the same name. He started providing the voice for Mister Ed in 1961 and continued until 1966. He was never credited on-screen for his voice work. He retired shortly after the show ended.
Cause of Death
Allan Lane died of cancer on October 27, 1973, at the age of 64. He was a resident of the Motion Picture & Television Country House and Hospital, where he died a few short weeks after admission. He was buried at Inglewood Park Cemetery.
He was survived by his ex-wives Sheila Ryan and Gladys Leslie, and his parents William and Linnie Albershardt. He had no children. He left behind a legacy of films and TV shows that entertained generations of fans. He was one of the most popular and prolific western stars of his time and the voice of one of the most beloved TV characters of all time.
