Richard Branda

By VARIETY STAFF

Richard Branda, actor and writer, died Jan. 7 in Los Angeles after a five-year battle with colon cancer. He was 57.

A graduate of the U. of Texas, he served two years in the Armed Forces as a theatrical director before embarking upon a career as an actor.

Beginning his professional career at the Stratford Shakespearean Festival in 1961, he eventually moved to New York, where he performed in various Broadway and off-Broadway shows including "The Great White Hope" and "Dr. Faustus."

Moving to Los Angeles in 1973, Branda worked in television and films appearing in "Death Wish,""Two Minute Warning" and "The French Connection."

Branda is survived by his wife, Eileen, who works at Columbia Pictures TV; daughters Jennifer, who works as a researcher on "The Ben Stiller Show," Leslie and Allison; brothers Gerald and Eldon.