Dr. Paul Fleiss dies at 80, father of ‘Hollywood madam’ Heidi Fleiss

Pediatrician Paul Fleiss, who pleaded guilty in 1995 to conspiring to hide profits made by his daughter, convicted “Hollywood madam” Heidi Fleiss, died Saturday morning at his home in Los Angeles, said his cousin, Joel Fleiss. Paul Fleiss was 80.

The cause of death was unclear. Paul Fleiss’ son, Jesse, heard him having trouble breathing while still in bed, Joel Fleiss said. A call was made to 911 and paramedics pronounced Fleiss dead at the scene.

Fleiss had a bicycle accident about six months ago, his cousin said, but seemed to be recovering well from it. Fleiss, who was known for having a gentle bedside manner and devoted patients, was still practicing medicine.

In addition to his felony conviction, for which he was sentenced to three years’ probation, 625 hours of community service and a fine of $50,000, Fleiss was in the news on other occasions.

He was doctor to the children of several Hollywood celebrities, and in 1996 announced to a press crowd outside Good Samaritan Hospital that singer Madonna had given birth to a girl.

In 2007 he was sanctioned by the state medical board for failing to maintain adequate records.

Twitter: @davidcolker