Character actor al-Ruscio dead at 89

Character actor and teacher Al Ruscio, who appeared in "Bonanza" and "The Godfather: Part III," died at his home in California, Variety reported. He was 89. The cause of Ruscio's death Tuesday wasn't reported. The one-time member of the board of directors of the Screen Actors Guild had a career not only in the movies, television and on the stage, but also taught acting at numerous colleges throughout North America. While a student at Staley College, Ruscio began acting on the stage with the New England Shakespeare Festival, eventually moving on to theater productions with Bert Lahr and Lucille Ball, Variety reported. His first film was "13 Rue Madeleine" with James Cagney and Richard Conte. He would appear on the small screen with roles in "Night Court," "Cagney & Lacey" and "Life Goes On," the magazine said. He taught classes at Midwestern College in Iowa, Canada's University of Windsor, Brooklyn College and the Academy of Dramatic Art at Oakland University. Ruscio is survived by his wife, three daughters, a son and five grandchildren, Variety reported.