Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, May 3, 1990 TAG: 9005030630
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL PAGE: A/10 EDITION: EVENING
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: LOS ANGELES LENGTH: Short
Police found his body Wednesday evening at Laurel Canyon Park in the San Fernando Valley, said Sgt. William Davidson. Late Monday his manager, Frankie Leigh, had filed a missing persons report, saying the actor was depressed.
Police gave no motive for the apparent suicide.
On March 4, the actor had attempted suicide by inhaling automobile exhaust. Police found him, his breathing stopped, in a car in Hollywood and resuscitated him.
The 3-foot-11 English-born actor appeared in several episodes of NBC's "L.A. Law" since late 1988. He played a devious lawyer who kicked smooth attorney Victor Sifuentes - played by Jimmy Smits - all over the courtroom.
One episode last year dealt with dwarf-tossing. In it, Rappaport's character argued dwarfs had the right to be tossed in a bar for money if they wanted.
"This show has become a perfect showcase for an actor," Rappaport said in November.
In addition to "L.A. Law," Rappaport starred in the 1986-87 series "The Wizard," about a scientist who invented high-tech toys and gadgets.
He also appeared in "Time Bandits," a 1981 British comedy film featuring John Cleese and Sean Connery.
In an interview in 1988, Rappaport said he had been discriminated against because of his height and wanted simply to be treated like "a regular, boring normal person."
by CNB