Dallas and Houston Mesothelioma Attorney

Famous People with Mesothelioma

If you think only blue-collar workers get mesothelioma, think again. Anyone can suffer from exposure to asbestos and victims include actors, politicians, athletes, musicians, writers and other noteworthy heroes. For this reason it is exceptionally important to seek medical help and hire a skilled mesothelioma attorney as soon as you begin to experience symptoms of the disease.

One of the best known people to succumb to the disease is legendary seventies actor Steve McQueen. He starred in such popular films as The Magnificent Seven, The Thomas Crown Affair, The Towering Inferno and more. Steve served in the military before becoming an actor, which may have exposed him to asbestos. When doctors told McQueen that his condition was too advanced for treatment, he headed to Mexico for answers. His regimen involved coffee enemas, massage and injection of live cells from cows and sheep. Unfortunately, his condition worsened and Steve died a day after receiving surgery for a stomach tumor.

Another famous actor to die from mesothelioma was Paul Gleason, best known for his role as Principal Richard Vernon in the Breakfast Club. While in his teenage years, Paul helped his father on construction sites, where he was exposed to asbestos. Gleason passed away in 2006.

A number of politicians and activists have died from asbestos exposure as well, including Hamilton Jordan -the Chief of Staff for Jimmy Carter and a life-long cancer activist, US Congressman Bruce Vento, Scottish Labour MP John William MacDougall, Australian anti-racism activist Bob Beller and Australian workers’ rights activist Bernie Banton.

Before succumbing to mesothelioma in 2008, Hamilton Jordan survived many other cancers in his life including histiocytic non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, melanoma and prostate cancer.

Bruce Vento was exposed to asbestos as a teenager while he was working a summer job to raise money for school. Since his death, Bruce’s widow has become an advocate for mesothelioma victims and has fought against legislation preventing victims from suing their employers.

John William MacDougall suffered from asbestosis and doctors expected he would make a full recovery after the removal of one of his lungs. Unfortunately, John also had mesothelioma and died from the disease in the next year.

Bernie Banton suffered from asbestosis, mesothelioma and Asbestos-Related Pleural Disease (ARPD). His battle for compensation from James Hardie was long-fought and provided inspiration to thousands of other Australian mesothelioma victims. He unfortunately received a settlement from the company only 48 hours before he was expected to pass on.

Olympic gold medalist Terrance McCann was exposed to asbestos while working in an oil refinery. This job allowed him to raise money to follow his dreams, but it also exposed him to the asbestos fibers that would later kill him.

Musicians Warren Zevon and Christie Hennessy along with record producer Mickey Most are yet more famous victims of mesothelioma. Zevon, notably, refused any treatment for his disease and focused all of his remaining energy on completing his final album, The Wind.

British science fiction writer Michael G. Coney and Australian journalist Peter Leonard are two more tragic mesothelioma fatalities. Michael wrote over 100 works before his death.

Other famous mesothelioma patients include Paul Rudolph, a famous American cubist architect, and Bob Miner, a co-founder of software company Oracle Corporation.

If you have any questions about mesothelioma or would like to speak with an experienced mesothelioma lawyer, call The Law Office of Crain-Lewis, LLP today. We offer the utmost compassion and understanding for asbestos sufferers and their families.

1-866-517-9520

Practice Areas

Our offices are located at

Crain Lewis, LLP
3400 Carlisle Street, Suite 300
Dallas, TX 75204
877-339-2889