I was really sorry to hear of Pastorelli's death, today. IMO he was a great character actor and a very important part of the Murphy Brown cast. Here's a bit of his obit...really sad thing is his girlfriend, with whom he had a daughter, also died in the same house in 1999, according to news reports...

arch 10, 2004

Robert Pastorelli dies; painter on 'Murphy Brown'

Robert Pastorelli, who played the screwball housepainter Eldin on "Murphy Brown," was found dead in his Hollywood Hills home in what the coroner's office said may have been a drug overdose. He was 49. Coroner's office Lt. Ed Winter said Pastorelli's body was found by his assistant Monday in a bathroom. An autopsy was planned. "It's a possible accidental death," Winter said, adding, "There was drug paraphernalia found." Pastorelli finished work with John Travolta last month on the movie "Be Cool," the sequel to the comedy "Get Shorty." He played a hit man. "I am still unable to grasp this tragic news," said "Be Cool" director F. Gary Gray. "Robert was a true professional and a total delight to work with. My heart goes out to his family, and he will be sorely missed." Pastorelli had roles in such movies as "Outrageous Fortune" (1987), "Beverly Hills Cop II" (1987), and "Dances With Wolves" (1990). Pastorelli stayed with "Murphy Brown" from 1988 to 1994, dropping out when the sitcom's creator, Diane English, left.

RIP, "Eldin"