Paul Gleason was a versatile and prolific actor who appeared in over 60 films and numerous television shows. He was best known for his roles as the villainous Clarence Beeks in Trading Places, the stern Principal Richard Vernon in The Breakfast Club, and the arrogant Deputy Police Chief Dwayne T. Robinson in Die Hard. He also had memorable guest appearances in shows like Friends, Seinfeld, and Dawson’s Creek. But behind his successful career, Gleason was fighting a deadly disease that eventually claimed his life. What was Paul Gleason’s cause of death and how did he get it?
Contents
Mesothelioma: A Rare and Aggressive Cancer
According to Wikipedia, Paul Gleason died on May 27, 2006, at a Burbank, California hospital from pleural mesothelioma, a rare form of lung cancer connected with asbestos exposure. He was 67 years old. Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the mesothelium, a thin layer of tissue that covers most of the internal organs. Pleural mesothelioma is the most common form, which affects the lining of the lungs. It is usually caused by inhaling asbestos fibers, which are microscopic and sharp particles that can damage the lung tissue and cause inflammation, scarring, and genetic mutations. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in construction, insulation, fireproofing, and other industries until the 1970s, when its health hazards became known.
Mesothelioma is a very aggressive and incurable cancer that has a poor prognosis. According to Backstage, Gleason died only three weeks after being diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is not uncommon, as mesothelioma has a long latency period, meaning that it can take decades for symptoms to appear after exposure to asbestos. By the time mesothelioma is diagnosed, it is often already in an advanced stage and has spread to other organs. The symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include chest pain, shortness of breath, coughing, weight loss, and fatigue. The treatment options for mesothelioma are limited and may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or palliative care.
Paul Gleason’s Asbestos Exposure: A Mystery Unsolved
The question that remains unanswered is how did Paul Gleason get exposed to asbestos? According to his wife Susan Gleason, he never worked with asbestos or in any industry that used it. She speculated that he might have been exposed to it as a teenager, when he worked for his father’s roofing company in Florida. However, this is not confirmed and there is no evidence to support this theory. Another possibility is that he was exposed to asbestos while working as an actor on various film sets or locations that contained asbestos materials. However, this is also not verified and there is no way to trace back his exposure history.
Paul Gleason’s cause of death remains a mystery, but his legacy lives on through his memorable performances and his fans. He was a talented actor who could play both comedic and dramatic roles with ease and charisma. He was also a devoted husband and father who loved his family dearly. He was survived by his wife Susan Kehl1, whom he married in 1995, and his two daughters Shannon Gleason-Grossman and Caitlin Gleason. He was buried at Westwood Village Memorial Park Cemetery in Los Angeles.
