Pastorelli, who was found dead on March 8, was an ensemble member of the company.

The fund will nuture young actors, Newsday reported. Those interested in contributing can call (212) 247-4982 or send donations to Curt Dempster at 549 W. 52nd St., New York, NY 10019.

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Robert Pastorelli, the character actor known as the house painter, Eldin, on TV's "Murphy Brown," was found dead at his home March 8 in the Hollywood Hills, Reuters reported. 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. Pastorelli played Luther Billis in the 2001 TV movie musical, "South Pacific," which starred Close as Nellie Forbush. 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."