LOS ANGELES -- Stage, screen and television actor Philip Sterling died Nov. 30, 1998 at the Motion Picture and Television Hospital in Woodland Hills. He was 76. Cause of death was complications of myelofibrosis, a bone marrow disease.

Sterling's last local stage appearance was at the Old Globe Theatre in San Diego in 1993, when he played Rabbi Mordechai Leventhal in Out of Purgatory.

On Broadway, Sterling won acclaim for his portrayal of the adulterous father in Neil Simon's Broadway Bound in 1986.

Sterling's film appearances ranged from "Me, Natalie," which introduced Al Pacino in 1969, to playing Uncle Nate in Billy Crystal's "My Giant" earlier this year.

With his natural air of wisdom and authority, Sterling was often cast in professional roles -- as a doctor, lawyer, judge, military officer, or as a wise older relative. He played attorney Michael Brimm on the 1976 television series "City of Angels" and Judge Truman Ventnor on the 1990 series "Sisters." He also had important recurring roles on "L.A. Law" and "NYPD Blue."

A jazz pianist before he turned to acting, Sterling was also a regular on radio. He utilized his vast collection of classical recordings to produce and host "Goldensterling," a two-hour weekly program that aired on KCSN FM Cal State Northridge for many years.

The actor and music buff also narrated several musical works over the years, including "A Survivor from Warsaw" with the New York Philharmonic at Lincoln Center.

The family has asked that any memorial donations be made to the Motion Picture and Television Fund Foundation, 22212 Ventura Blvd., Suite 300, Woodland Hills, CA 91364-1530, or to the City of Hope, Primary Research Center for Myelofibrosis, 1500 E. Duarte Road, Duarte, CA 91010.

A memorial service will be planned in January.

-- By Willard Manus
Southern California Correspondent