'Winston Man' Dies of Cancer Amidst Trial

Actor was set to testify against tobacco giant RJ Reynolds

By Kevin Spak, Newser Staff

Posted Mar 3, 2009 1:55 PM CST

(Newser) – Alan Landers, the one-time face of Winston cigarettes, has died at 68 of lung and throat cancer in the middle of a multi-million dollar legal action against his former employers, the Guardian reports. Landers, who was to testify next month, was among about 9,000 Florida smokers suing cigarette companies for failing to warn them of their products’ health risks.

“I was expected to portray smoking as stylish, pleasurable and attractive and at no time was I ever told cigarettes could be dangerous to my health,” Landers said two weeks ago. “Looking back on my career, I am ashamed that I helped promote such a lethal and addictive product.” According to his website, Landers was scheduled for a fourth round of chemotherapy yesterday.

An ad featuring Landers, as seen on his website (http://winstonman.com) (Winstonman.com)

Alan Landers is seen in this image from his website (http://winstonman.com) (Winstonman.com)

An ad featuring Landers, as seen on his website (http://winstonman.com) (Winstonman.com)

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'Winston Man' Dies of Cancer Amidst Trial

Actor was set to testify against tobacco giant RJ Reynolds

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Obama Calls Out Big Tobacco

President congratulates those trying to quit

Waking Up to a Cigarette Raises Cancer Risk

So try to hold off for at least an hour

Philip Morris Threatens Suit on Cigarette Packaging

Tobacco giant worried Australia's laws will hurt competition

Dead Smoker's Daughter Awarded $80M

Jury finds RJ Reynolds 90% responsible for death

Big Tobacco Sues Over 'Disgusting' Anti-Smoking Posters

Firms seek to quash graphic NYC ads

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'Winston Man' Dies of Cancer Amidst Trial

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Florida • advertising • lung cancer • smoking • cigarettes • class action • RJ Reynolds • Winston • throat cancer • Alan Landers • Big Tobacco

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Obama Calls Out Big Tobacco

President congratulates those trying to quit

Waking Up to a Cigarette Raises Cancer Risk

So try to hold off for at least an hour

Philip Morris Threatens Suit on Cigarette Packaging

Tobacco giant worried Australia's laws will hurt competition

Dead Smoker's Daughter Awarded $80M

Jury finds RJ Reynolds 90% responsible for death

Big Tobacco Sues Over 'Disgusting' Anti-Smoking Posters

Firms seek to quash graphic NYC ads

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Newser By Users

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