Paul Winfield RIP

cnn ^ | 3/09/2004` | cnn

[Monty22]

LOS ANGELES, California (AP) -- Paul Winfield, an Academy Award-nominated actor who was known for his versatility in stage, film and television roles, including a highly praised 1978 depiction of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., has died. He was 62.

Winfield died Sunday of a heart attack, said his agent Michael Livingston.

[pete anderson]

Sad, Sad news. His narration of City Confidential was wonderful.

[Imal]

Oh man, I love that guy! Damn. 62 doesn't seem at all old to me anymore, and this seems tragically untimely.

Although I love him for his talent, I can only imagine how those who knew him as a friend or family member must be hurt by this, and I offer my sincerest prayers for them.

I lost a dear uncle a few months ago, and this news opens a few old wounds, because Paul Winfield has appeared in so many shows I've seen -- it seemed like he was everywhere (I liked him as General Franklin [Dr. Franklin's dad] in Babylon 5). I grew up watching this guy.

He brought a certain poise and polish, a certain something, to every role he took.

The world has lost another great actor. I'll miss him.

[Imal]

Sokath, his eyes uncovered.

"Temba... at rest."

[fieldmarshaldj]

RIP, Mr. Winfield, AKA Captain Terrell.

[My Dog Likes Me]

I never associated Paul Winfield with the "City Confidential" narration before tonight. I didn't like it initially, but "that voice" grew on me, and I ended up faithfully watching the show because of it. (I thought the voice belonged to some obscure Englishman!)

RIP, Paul Winfield.

Note to A&E: Bill Kurtis is unsuitable for "CC."

[newzjunkey]

He was a reliable actor and that's probably the best any viewer could ever say. Totally watchable be it Star Trek II, The Next Generation, Babylon 5, Terminator, Picket Fences, Presumed Innocent... he was always good.

62 is quite young these days. He fought obesity, high blood pressure and diabetes a long time and counseled blacks against life style choices which would lead to such conditions believing they are at increased risk. I'm sorry to see him gone.

[JustPiper]

Paul Winfield was such a distinguished actor in the class of James Earl Jones. Another passing on the same day that saddened me:

'Murphy Brown' actor Pastorelli dies
54 minutes ago By César G. Soriano, USA TODAY

Robert Pastorelli, the gruff but loveable painter on Murphy Brown, was found dead at his Hollywood Hills home Monday of a suspected drug overdose. He was 49.

His body was discovered by his assistant in a bathroom, according to Access Hollywood, which first reported the actor's death. The Los Angeles County coroner's office said drug paraphernalia was found near Pastorelli. An autopsy is planned.

Pastorelli was best known as Eldin Bernecky, the housepainter, nanny and confidante to Candice Bergen (news)'s character on Murphy Brown. He appeared on the CBS series from 1988 to 1994, earning one Emmy nomination. He left the show to star in his own short-lived sitcom, Double Rush.

"He's not just a house painter. He's an artist," Pastorelli told USA TODAY in 1992 about the part that made him a cult figure. "He keeps Murphy emotionally grounded. He smooths the lumps in her emotional oatmeal."

"You do a show and go home and you don't realize the impact you're having," Pastorelli told USA TODAY in 1992. "Then one day you're returning Christmas presents at a mall in New Jersey and you hear people behind you talking. You say, 'Oh yeah. I do that TV thing. Yeah.'"

The former boxer-turned-actor grew up in Edison, N.J. He had some minor scuffles with the law as a youngster and was so broke at one point that he was living in a car. He turned to acting, racking up dozens of TV and movie credits. His films include Dances with Wolves, Beverly Hills Cop II and Michael.

Last month, Pasterelli completed filming Be Cool, the sequel to Get Shorty. The movie starring John Travolta (news) and Uma Thurman (news) is set to open in February 2005.

"MGM and the filmmakers of Be Cool are terribly saddened by the tragic loss of Robert Pastorelli," the studio said in a statement. "He was a pleasure to work with, a wonderful actor, and our hearts go out to his family and friends in this difficult time."

On the small screen, Pastorelli's last series was the 1997 ABC drama Cracker, playing a police psychologist. In 2001, he co-starred in a TV version of South Pacific opposite Glenn Close (news). The two were romantically linked, but Close said they were just friends.

Sadly, Pastorelli's life was mired in tragedy.

He was nearly killed in a car crash on his 19th birthday. In 1999, his girlfriend, Charemon Jonovich, died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound in the same house where Pastorelli died. The couple had a daughter, who turned 6 on Saturday.

At his daughter's birthday party, Pastorelli appeared "happy and very focused," according to a statement issued by his publicity firm, BWR Public Relations. The statement continued: "While we are awaiting the results of the autopsy, we are aware that he had been injecting Vitamin B12 prescribed by his physician."

A memorial service is being planned in Los Angeles. Pastorelli will be buried in New York.

[Houmatt]

I think it is funny that out of all the roles Winfield played, the only one mentioned is Martin Luther King. How many people recall that? Anyone? Why make a point of mentioning a part no one recalls seeing you play?

His obit, done properly, would have read:

He was perhaps best known for the portrayal of Captain Terrell in "Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan."

Trust me, more people remember him for that than for playing King.

[Monty22]

I agree. Terrell and the cop in Terminator for me.

[sully777]

1980's indie Mike's Murder. If I remember, hetero Mike (his girlfriend was Debra Winger) crossed paths with Winfield's character, a homosexual film producer that spoke of legalizing all drugs in America. Debra Winger tries to fit the pieces of Mike's murder together. I can't remember Winfield's character ultimate conclusion in the movie.

[catonsville]

That wonderful sardonic voice on City Confidential.
He will be missed

[ladyinred]

How sad, he was fairly young too.

RIP

[Donna Lee Nardo]

I agree with your sentiments. Well said.

[Lancey Howard]

Paul Winfield was an American treasure.
Believe it or not, I have a strong recollection of Mr. Winfield doing a guest appearance on the 'Family Matters' sitcom as Harriet Winslow's long-lost father. He was excellent in that role, too.

[Monty22]

Why is that a 'believe it or not moment'?

He made an impression, everywhere. More than many realize. He is most missed, and I hope blessed in eternity.

[Lancey Howard]

When Paul Winfield made his appearance as Harriet's father on Family Matters I remember thinking, "Wow! How did they get that guy?"

[joesnuffy]

Temba at rest

[pctech]

Great pics, thanks for posting them!!

[uncitizen]

I watch City Confidential every day and loved the mysteriousness his voice added. Then in the last week i noticed a change in the voice. It's close, but no cigar.