Albert Paulsen, 78 Emmy-winning performer

Albert Paulsen, known for three decades of supporting roles including a 1963 Emmy-winning performance with Jason Robards in "One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich," on NBC's Bob Hope Presents the Chrysler Theatre, died today of natural causes in Los Angeles, said nephew William Paulsen. Albert Paulsen was 78.

Paulsen specialized in charismatic gangsters and other not-so-charismatic villains in a long career that included distinguished work on the Broadway stage and movie sets as well as on television.

Robert Altman directed one of his earlist guest roles on the series Combat. Other TV work ranged from appearances on Studio One and Playhouse 90 to Mission Impossible, Colombo, Kojak, I Spy, Hogan's Heroes, 77 Sunset Strip and The Odd Couple.

A private memorial service was scheduled April 30 at the Actors Studio in Los Angeles.