Drug paraphernalia was reported at the scene. An autopsy was scheduled for March 9. Mr. Pastorelli was 49 and had TV, film and stage credits, including the 1999 Williamstown Theatre Festival staging of David Rabe's Corners and Trevor Nunn's 2002 A Streetcar Named Desire run at London's Royal National Theatre. In Streetcar, a major opportunity in a modern classic at a high-profile theatre, he played suitor Mitch opposite Glenn Close as Blanche du Bois. Mr. Pastorelli played Luther Billis in the 2001 TV movie musical, "South Pacific," which starred Close as Nellie Forbush.

Mr. Pastorelli was born in New Jersey and was a boxer before he turned to acting. He had admitted to being a former drug abuser.

Following "Murphy Brown," he was featured in the sitcoms, "Double Rush," about a bike messenger service, and "Cracker." His movie credits include "Dances With Wolves," "Eraser" and "Michael" and recently filmed "Be Cool," a sequel to "Get Shorty."

His girlfriend died of a gunshot wound in 1999. They reportedly shared a daughter.