David Eric, an actor who appeared in Broadway's Shenandoah, Sunset Boulevard, Yentl and The Rothschilds, died Dec. 14, 1999, of a brain tumor in Los Angeles, according to fiancee Ellen Harvey. He was 50.

Mr. Eric, who was born David Eric Shapiro, served as a council member for Actors' Equity Association for the last four years and was a member of SAG and AFTRA, as well. He made his home in New York City.

He performed in more than 50 New York and regional productions, including From the Top, with Carol Burnett, and Candide at L.A.'s Ahmanson. He worked at such regional houses as Arena Stage, Actors Theatre of Louisville, Pittsburgh Public Theater, Goodpseed Opera House, plus national tours of Show Boat and Oklahoma!

In Andrew Lloyd Webber's Sunset Boulvard, he was Sammy/Jonesy in New York and L.A. (and played DeMille many times), and in Bock and Harnick's The Rothschilds, he played one of the scions in the European banker family.

Mr. Eric trained with Sanford Meisner at the Neighborhood Playhouse in Manhattan. He appeared on many television programs, including "Murphy Brown," "Newhart" and "Remington Steele." He also played Charlie Kringas in the post-Broadway Los Angeles premiere of Stephen Sondheim's Merrily We Roll Along, at The Studio Theatre, earning him a Drama-Logue, Robby and L.A. Weekly award.

Survivors include actress Harvey, daughters Arana and Rachel, brother Alan and parents Marilyn and Harold.

Funeral services were in Los Angeles, but a New York City memorial service is slated for 6:30 PM Jan. 24 at The Lamb's Theatre, 130 W. 44th St.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to The Actor's Fund of America.

-- By Kenneth Jones