Ron Eldard, who was set to begin playing Biff in Broadway's Death of a Salesman on July 28, but was sidelined by vocal problems, is expected to join the production on the Aug. 4 matinee, said a show spokesman. Eldard was described as suffering from "strained vocal chords."

Steve Cell, the understudy for Biff, played the part on July 28 and 29. When producers discovered that original Biff, Kevin Anderson, was still in New York, however, they asked him to return to the show for the weekend. Anderson performed his old role in the Friday, Saturday matinee and evening and Sunday matinee performances. Anderson had left the show on July 25.

Ron Eldard took over the role of Biff on July 28, but soon dropped out of the production. It could not be discovered as press time the reason for his absence, but sources close to the production reported Eldard's voice had been bothering him. His understudy reportedly filled in for a few performances before Anderson was asked to return.

Anderson was nominated for a Tony Award for his portrayal of Biff. Eldard most recently appeared Off-Broadway with Calista Flockhart and Paul Rudd in bash, Neil LaBute's collection of monologues. Eldard made his Broadway debut as Terry Malloy in On the Waterfront. His television and film credits include "Sleepers," "Scent of a Woman," "Mystery Alaska", HBO's "When Trumpets Fade" and a season of NBC's "ER."

Brian Dennehy and Elizabeth Franz won the Tony for their performances. Salesman also collected Tonys for best revival of a play and best direction of a play (Robert Falls).  

For information on Death of a Salesman, call (212) 239-6200.