Thomas Aguilar; Theater Director Was in Original ‘Chorus Line’ Cast

Thomas J. Aguilar, one of the original cast members of the hit musical “A Chorus Line,” has died from complications of AIDS. He was 41.

Aguilar, a native of Mendota, Calif., died Friday night, his publicist said.

Aquilar was found to have HIV in 1988, and he said in a 1992 interview that of the 17 men originally cast in “A Chorus Line,” only he and one other were alive. He dedicated the remainder of his life to educating people about the disease.

Aguilar, who directed more than 50 plays and musicals, rose to prominence for his 1976 performance as the leading character Paul in the London and Broadway versions of the musical, one of the longest-running and most successful stage productions ever mounted.

Funeral plans are pending. A private burial will be held in Fresno.