Richard Paul, 58; Character Actor

Richard Paul, 58, a character actor who played Jerry Falwell in the movie “The People vs. Larry Flynt,” has died of cancer, a family spokesman said Sunday.

The spokesman said Paul, who had battled the disease for almost two years, died Christmas morning at his Studio City home.

Paul, whose career spanned 35 years, was credited with switching easily among television, motion pictures and the stage. He had a recurring role as Mayor Sam Booth on television’s “Murder, She Wrote.”

He had also appeared regularly on such programs as “The Drew Carey Show” and “Beverly Hills 90210.

Paul completed his last acting job eight months ago, appearing opposite Jerry Stiller in the film “The Independent,” which has not yet been released.

He is survived by his wife, Patty.