Edward John Abbey (June 21, 1935 – December 5, 2010) was an American actor best known for portraying the title role in the French film Mr. Freedom, directed by fellow American expatriate William Klein. Born in Denver, Colorado in 1935, Abbey appeared in a few uncredited roles in American and English films before coming to France, where he played American characters in film and television throughout the 1960s and 1970s. He has since retired from acting. He spoke fluent French as well. In addition to Mr. Freedom, Abbey is known for his supporting role as Mr Lacs in Jacques Tati's 1967 film Playtime. Abbey died on December 5, 2010 in Denver, Colorado at the age of 75.