Actor Edward Albert dead at 55

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 27 (UPI) -- Actor Edward Albert, the only son of actors Eddie and Margo Albert, has died of lung cancer in Malibu, Calif., at age 55.

Albert, whose acting career took off in the 1970s after he starred in "Butterflies are Free" with Goldie Hawn, died Friday in his sleep, The Los Angeles Times reported Wednesday.

He starred with Liv Ullmann in the 1973 comedy "40 Carats" and went on to appear in more than 120 movies and TV shows including "Midway," "The Greek Tycoon," "The Ice Runner," "Guarding Tess," "Falcon Crest," "Dr. Quinn, Medicine "Woman" and "Port Charles."

Albert was a dedicated environmental activist and worked with several groups including the California Coastal Commission and the state's Native American Heritage Commission, The Times said.

"He had a very sincere and deep love and appreciation for Indian people," Larry Myers of the Native American Heritage Commission told The Times. "He honored and respected Indian spiritual beliefs and was very active in protecting burial and sacred sites in Malibu."

He spent most of the last 10 years caring for his father, who had Alzheimer's disease and died at age 99 last year, The Times said.

Albert is survived by his wife, actress Kate Woodville; their daughter, Thais; and his sister, Maria Zucht.