Tom Fuccello; Stage, Television Actor

Tom Fuccello, a stage and television actor whose 28-year career ran the gamut from Shakespeare to soap operas, has died at a Van Nuys convalescent hospital. He was 56.

A resident of North Hollywood, Fuccello died Monday of AIDS, said a friend, Rona Edwards.

Born in Newark, N. J., Fuccello attended Seton Hall University, where he received his bachelor’s degree in English. After college, he briefly taught English at a Catholic high school before pursuing an acting career. He came to California in 1979 when he landed the part of Sen. Dave Culver on the prime-time drama “Dallas.”

Fuccello’s first professional job as an actor was a commercial for a bail bonds company that spoofed “The Graduate.” He later performed on Broadway in the 1970s in productions of “Butterflies Are Free,” “The Unknown Soldier and His Wife” and “Are You Now, Or Have You Ever Been?”

Among his many television credits, Fuccello appeared in such programs as “Highway to Heaven,” “Knots Landing,” “Reasonable Doubts” and “Silk Stalkings.” From 1977 to 1979, he was featured in the recurring role of Paul Kendall on the ABC soap opera “One Life to Live.”

On the stage, Fuccello performed in productions including “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” “King Lear,” “The Glass Menagerie,” “Romeo and Juliet” and “Rent a Family.” During his career, he belonged to the Ensemble Studio Theatre, the Lincoln Center Repertory Co. and the Hartford Stage Co.

Fuccello also appeared in the feature film “Mac and Me” and worked extensively in television commercials throughout his career.

In addition to his work as an actor, Fuccello was active in several charities, including AIDS Project Los Angeles and the Jewish Defense Fund.

He is survived by his mother, Ida Fuccello, and a brother, Charles Fuccello, both of Bloomfield, N. J.

A memorial service is pending. Donations may be made in Fuccello’s name to AIDS Project Los Angeles, 1313 N. Vine St., Los Angeles 90028.