Character actor in ‘Chinatown’

Perry Lopez, 78, a veteran character actor perhaps best known for his role as Lt. Lou Escobar opposite Faye Dunaway and Jack Nicholson in the classic 1974 film “Chinatown,” died Thursday of lung cancer at the Rehabilitation Centre of Beverly Hills, according to his friend and executor, actor James Victor.

Born in New York City, Lopez got his start on the stage before moving into film with an uncredited role in “Creature From the Black Lagoon.” He also had roles in such familiar films as “Mister Roberts,” “McClintock,” “Che!” and “Kelly’s Heroes.”

In addition, he appeared in dozens of television shows, including “The Lone Ranger,” “Bonanza,” “Charlie’s Angels,” “Mission: Impossible” and “Star Trek.”

Sixteen years after “Chinatown,” he reprised the role of Escobar, who was promoted to captain, in “The Two Jakes” featuring Nicholson, who also directed the firm.