Forrest B. Wood; Actor, Song Composer

Forrest Benjamin Wood, an actor in such films as “Soylent Green” and “The Boston Strangler” and a pianist and composer whose songs included “Laura Lee,” has died. He was 76.

Wood died July 22 in Los Angeles, friends announced Friday.

The song “Laura Lee,” with lyrics by Liam Sullivan, was recorded by the Young Americans, Wayne Newton and others. It was also the theme song for the 1965 motion picture “Major Dundee” starring Wood’s friend Charlton Heston. Wood also wrote music for “Lonely Road,” recorded by Bobby Darin.

Born in Ticonderoga, N.Y., Wood grew up in Asheville, N.C., and helped found the Asheville Community Theatre.

Based first in New York City and later in Los Angeles, the musician formed the Forrest Wood Trio, which recorded such songs as “Blues for Berlin.”

Among Wood’s acting credits were the films “The Pigeon That Took Rome,” “The Omega Man,” “Airport 1975” and “The Warlord.”

A solemn High Mass will be celebrated at noon Aug. 10 in St. Mary of the Angels Anglican Church, 4510 Finley Ave., Hollywood. Any memorial donations can be made to the church or to the Motion Picture and Television Fund in Woodland Hills.