John LaZar

Who is John LaZar?

John LaZar is an American actor of both stage and screen, best remembered for his lead role as Ronnie 'Z-man' Barzell in the 1970s Russ Meyer film Beyond the Valley of the Dolls, co-written by Meyer and Roger Ebert.

LaZar grew up in San Francisco, California and is of Mediterranean and Native American heritage. He trained at the American Conservatory Theatre and has studied acting with Uta Hagen. A veteran of many Shakespearean stage productions, Lazar is also a martial arts expert and fencer.

LaZar later appeared in Russ Meyer's Supervixens and Roger Corman's Deathstalker II.