Barry Newman, star of ‘Vanishing Point’ and ‘Petrocelli,’ dead at 92

Barry Newman, an actor best known for his roles in the 1971 action flick “Vanishing Point” and the legal drama “Petrocelli,” has died at age 92.

The thespian native passed away on May 11 at the Columbia University Irving Medical Center. The cause of his death remains unclear, although he was diagnosed with vocal cancer in 2009.

Born in 1930 in Boston, Massachusetts, Newman was first inspired to pursue acting after taking a course with legendary acting coach Lee Strasberg while at Brandeis University.

After graduating and serving in the army, he then moved to New York City to study under Strasberg.

He starred in several plays, including Mel Tolkin’s “Maybe Tuesday” and Agatha Christie’s “The Mouse Trap,” before turning his attention to the big screen.

Barry Newman in the titular role of the TV series “Petrocelli” circa 1975.Getty Images
Newman in “Vanishing Point” (1971).20th Century Fox/Kobal/Shutterstock

His breakout role came courtesy of Sidney J. Furie’s 1971 legal drama “The Lawyer,” which formed the basis for his star-making turn as the eponymous lawyer in the NBC series “Petrocelli” a few years later.

The lawyer-out-of-water show, which depicted a Harvard-educated attorney setting up shop in a podunk Arizona town, ran for two seasons and garnered Newman nods for both an Emmy and a Golden Globe award.

A poster for the British release of Richard C. Sarafian’s 1971 action road movie “Vanishing Point.”Getty Images

In the movie world, the Bostonian is perhaps best known for starring in Richard C. Sarafian’s 1971 cult classic “Vanishing Point.”

He played a speed-addicted car courier named Kowalski who attempts to deliver a hot rod across the country in record time while avoiding the highway patrol.

Newman’s other movie roles included parts “Daylight,” “Bowfinger,” “Fatal Vision,” King Crab” and “The Limey” with Peter Fonda and Terrence Stamp.

Barry Newman studied under famed acting coach Lee Strasberg.20th Century Fox/Kobal/Shutterstock

He also appeared in many acclaimed TV shows, including “The O.C.,” “Nightingales,” “Ghost Whisperer,” “NYPD Blue,” “L.A. Law” and “Murder, She Wrote.”

Newman is survived by his wife, Angela.