R.I.P. John Phillip Law

John Phillip Law (1937-2008)

I feel compelled to write a little something about Mr. Law who passed away yesterday at the age of 70.


I saw Mr. Law in person about a month ago at the Egyptian. There was a screening of the cult classic Danger Diabolik and he spoke after the film. Other then mentioning he was tired a lot more often than he used to be, he was in good spirits was grateful for such a fun career, enjoyed the variety of films he was in and the attractive women that he got to make out with. All in all, He seemed to be very happy that people still remembered him and was more than congenial when it came to discussing his career. He also beamed of pride for a young boy who was either his son or grandson. It was really warming and the kid seemed happy to be recognized.


For those who do not know much about John Phillip Law, he not only starred in Danger Diabolik, but also played Pygar the Angel in Barbarella as well as appearing in Skidoo, the Otto Preminger bomb made for the acid tripper in all of us. All three of these films were released in 1968. Not a bad trifecta on the cult movie circuit.

All in all he acted in 81 projects (I can't forget Death Rides a Horse) over his career and though he may not be remembered in the way a Cary Grant, or James Stewart might be, he still has his geek followers. I am one of them. FGP offers condolences to Mr. Law's family and friends. He will be missed, but not forgotten.

(Side note: Music fans will recognize Danger Diabolik as the inspiration for the Beastie Boys video Body Movin'.)