March 30, 2006
News media calls to David Hass at (630) 682-7979, ext. 7374.

Former tobacco pitchman speaks during Kick Butts Week to DuPage County teens about dangers of smoking

Alan Landers, the former “Winston Man” in cigarette advertisements, is scheduled for a public appearance in Glen Ellyn on Tuesday as part of DuPage County Health Department’s observance of Kick Butts Week.

The public is invited to meet Landers at Glenbard West High School, 670 Crescent Blvd., Glen Ellyn, from 2:45 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the school auditorium.

Seen on billboards and in magazine advertisements, the Winston Man was depicted in glamorous situations, holding a Winston cigarette or a Tiparillo cigar. The ads always showed him enjoying the cigarette or cigar. He was expected to portray smoking as stylish, pleasurable and attractive.

“They never told me that cigarettes could be dangerous to anyone’s health, including mine,” says Landers.  Now a two-time lung cancer survivor, Landers delivers the warnings himself.  He will tell smokers that he regrets “promoting the lethal and addictive product.”

He will be urging teenagers to never begin smoking during appearances at two DuPage County High Schools, Glenbard West in Glen Ellyn and then College Preparatory School of America in Lombard on Wednesday.

A resident of Florida, Landers is a spokesperson for the World Health Organization. He is also a professional actor, model and acting teacher. 

Landers’ talks to DuPage County residents is sponsored by the health department, the Illinois Department of Public Health and the Glenbard West High School’s Students For Students, a substance abuse prevention club.

“We promote health, prevent illness, and provide quality service”