ROANOKE TIMES 
                      Copyright (c) 1997, Roanoke Times

DATE: Sunday, February 16, 1997              TAG: 9702170048
SECTION: VIRGINIA                 PAGE: B-4  EDITION: METRO 
                                             TYPE: NEWS OBIT

`PHILADELPHIA' ACTOR RIDGELY DIES AT 65

Robert Ridgely, 65, a film and television actor, died Feb. 8 at his home in Toluca Lake, Calif.

Ridgely was a familiar face in Jonathan Demme and Mel Brooks films. He was a game show host in Demme's ``Melvin and Howard'' and a homophobic lawyer in ``Philadelphia.'' He played Boris the Hangman in Brooks' ``Blazing Saddles'' and did a reprise in ``Robin Hood: Men in Tights.'' He played the mayor in ``Beverly Hills Cop II.''

He also appeared on TV in ``Get Smart,'' ``Sea Hunt'' and ``Coach.''

- The New York Times

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