Christopher Lawford in September 2005 in Encino, Calif., while promoting his book, "Symptoms of Withdrawal: A Memoir of Snapshots and Redemption."
Actor and sobriety campaigner Christopher Lawford, widely known as the nephew of President Kennedy and a member of the renowned Kennedy family, has sadly passed away at the age of 63.
The heartbreaking news was shared on Twitter by his cousin, human rights activist Kerry Kennedy, daughter of Robert F. Kennedy. Max Burns, spokesperson for the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights advocacy group, confirmed the news, expressing the family's sorrow. Former U.S. Rep. Patrick Kennedy, another cousin, informed the Associated Press that Lawford suffered a heart attack on Tuesday in Vancouver, Canada.
Christopher Lawford in September 2012 in Beverly Hills, Calif.
Lawford played a crucial role in his cousin Patrick Kennedy's journey to recovery from substance abuse. Patrick Kennedy expressed his gratitude, saying that Christopher Lawford, along with his wife, provided unwavering support during the challenging early stages of his sobriety.
Born in Santa Monica, California in 1955, Lawford was the first child of Patricia Kennedy Lawford, sister of JFK and RFK, and Peter Lawford, the British-born actor and member of Frank Sinatra's famous "Rat Pack." Christopher Lawford had a successful acting career, with notable roles in popular soap operas such as "General Hospital" and "All My Children," as well as a part in one of the "Terminator" movies alongside his cousin-in-law, Arnold Schwarzenegger.
In addition to his acting prowess, Lawford was a talented writer. In his bestselling memoir, "Symptoms of Withdrawal: A Memoir of Snapshots and Redemption," published in 2005, he candidly shared his journey through near-fatal addiction to alcohol, opioids, and heroin, and his subsequent recovery. Lawford also authored "Moments of Clarity: Voices from the Front Lines of Addiction and Recovery" in 2009, a compilation of essays by various celebrities discussing their own battles with substance abuse.
Beyond his artistic pursuits, Lawford actively participated in numerous Kennedy political campaigns, including those of his late uncle, Senator Ted Kennedy of Massachusetts. He held an academic appointment as a lecturer in psychiatry at Harvard University, having obtained a master's degree in clinical psychology from the esteemed institution.
Lawford faced personal struggles with drug addiction in the late 1970s and early 1980s, ultimately overcoming his addiction to heroin. In 1980, he faced legal consequences when he was arrested in Aspen, Colorado for impersonating a doctor to acquire prescription medication. However, he successfully completed his probation and managed to turn his life around. The tragic death of his cousin David, another son of Robert F. Kennedy, due to a drug overdose in April 1984 served as a powerful motivator for Lawford to embrace sobriety. He went on to establish a clinic in Boston dedicated to treating individuals struggling with opioid dependency.
Christopher Lawford is survived by three children from his first marriage and his third wife, Mercedes Miller, a yoga teacher, whom he married in 2014.
The loss of Christopher Lawford is deeply felt, not only by his family and loved ones but also by the countless individuals he inspired with his advocacy and resilience. He leaves behind a rich legacy as an accomplished actor, an advocate for sobriety, and a beacon of hope for those battling addiction.
Contributing: The Associated Press
