John Lazar
John La Zar, a talented actor and performer, was born and raised in San Francisco, California. His artistic journey began at the American Conservatory Theatre, where he honed his craft under the guidance of notable figures such as Uta Hagen, Bill Ball, Jack Kosslyn, and Paul Shenar. La Zar's big break came when he was cast in the lead role of "Caligula" at the University of Hawaii, which caught the attention of 20th Century Fox casting director Phil Benjamin. This led to his unforgettable performance as the flamboyant and eccentric music producer Ronnie 'Z-Man' Barzell in Russ Meyer’s cult classic, "Beyond the Valley of the Dolls."
Despite this standout role, La Zar's subsequent performances often found him in supporting or minor roles. He brought humor to the character of Carl McKinney, a sleazy pimp in "Supervixens," and portrayed a Palestinian general in the "David & Goliath" episode of "Greatest Heroes of the Bible." His versatility was showcased in films like "Eddie Presley," "Night of the Scarecrow," and "Stripteaser." Notably, he captured attention as the villainous sorcerer Jarek in the tongue-in-cheek fantasy "Deathstalker II." His television presence included a recurring role as Dr. Fez on the soft-core series "Click."
In addition to his screen work, La Zar has an impressive theatrical resume, performing in plays such as "The Crucible," "Macbeth," and "No Exit." Beyond acting, he is also an accomplished ballet dancer, master swordsman, and martial artist. He currently resides in Los Angeles, California.