In Memory of 'Room 222' TV Actor Lloyd Haynes: 4 Decades After His Tragic Death From Lung Cancer

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It's been four decades since Emmy-nominated actor Lloyd Haynes died of lung cancer at only 52 years old. Best known for his compassionate performance as history teacher Pete Dixon on television's groundbreaking, academic-geared dramedy, Room 222 (ABC, 1969-1974), Haynes was beloved by his fans, family, friends and colleagues alike. This is his story.

A Closer Look

Born Samuel Lloyd Haynes on born October 19, 1934, in South Bend, Indiana, the future TV icon later graduated from San Jose State University and served in the Marine Corps from 1952 to 1964. He studied acting at the Film Studies Industries Workshop and Actors West in Los Angeles.

Haynes, who had a lifelong fascination with flying, would soon make appearances on TV shows such as Star Trek, and and in films like Ice Station Zebra and Good Guys Wear Black. He would later play Mayor Ken Morgain on ABC's daytime serial, General Hospital.

However, it was his iconic performance as insightful teacher Pete Dixon on the Emmy-winning Room 222 that Haynes, who was dedicated to education off-screen, would win his highest acclaim.

Haynes' Dixon was similar to James Franciscus' leading character on Mr. Novak (NBC, 1963-1965), another pioneering TV series set in an academic atmosphere. Like John Novak, Dixon worked diligently to impart acceptance and kindness among his students in the fictional halls and homeroom 222 of the fabricated Walt Whitman High School. (Room 222 was partially filmed at Los Angeles High.)

Dixon at times clashed, if ever so gently, with Michael Constantine's Seymour Kaufman, Room 222's relatively conservative but always impartial and understanding principal.

Lloyd Haynes (bottom right) alongside his fellow "Room 222" stars (from top left): Karen Valentine, Michael Constantine, Denise NicholasPhoto byClassic TV Preservation Society

Room 222, which also starrred Denise Nicholas as guidance counselor Liz McItyre, Dixon's romantic interest, and Karen Valentine, who played novice teacher Alice Johnson. The series was lauded by several education and civil rights groups for its realistic presentation of racial disparity, substance abuse and addiction, the Vietnam War, and other social issues and ills of the era.

Off screen, Haynes in 1970 received the Television Teacher of the Year Award from the Los Angeles High School Alumni Association. In Santa Monica, the actor established an Education Through Aviation organization that inspired and educated students about flying. In 1972, the program was honored by Congress.

Haynes, who resided in Coronado, CA, commuted for acting work to L.A. While there, he was also stationed as a public affairs officer for the Naval Reserve, and presented lectures to Navy personnel minorities challenged by racism.

In 1970, after the first season of Room 222, Haynes divorced his wife of eleven years, Elizabeth. That year, he wed his second wife, who he divorced in 1973. In March, 1981, Haynes wed Carolyn Inglis, and they had a daughter, Jessica Haynes.

The Impact of Lloyd Haynes

Lloyd Haynes was a rare breed of actor. With his portrayal of a gentle teacher, he gained a unique kind of fame; one that granted him the opportunity to utilize his public persona for the highest good and education of his artistic craft and humanity across the board.