Actor Pat Corley Passes

Wise Murphy Brown Bartender "Phil" Served Plenty Advice with the Drinks

Los Angeles, CA - Actor Pat Corley, known widely as "Phil the Bartender" on highly successful sitcom Murphy Brown, died Sept. 11 at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. The 76-year-old Dallas, TX, native succumbed to congestive heart failure following surgery.

In addition to his eight-year stint on Murphy Brown as the wise "Phil," Corley's five-decade television and film career included roles in such theatricals as Against All Odds and Coming Home. Among his best known television roles, he played coroner "Wally Nydorf" on Hill Street Blues.

Corley's acting career began in the theater, where he met his late wife, Iris. He is survived by two sons, Jerry and Kevin; daughters Troy Corley and Christina Pratt; and several grandchildren.