Paul Israel Sparer (December 19, 1923 – November 19, 1999) was an American character actor.

Paul Sparer
Born
Paul Israel Sparer

(1923-12-19)December 19, 1923
Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
DiedNovember 19, 1999(1999-11-19) (aged 75)
Occupation
Spouse
(m. 1951)

Career

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Sparer appeared as Rex Cooper in the soap operas Somerset and Another World. He was also known for narrating the anthology TV series Tales from the Darkside. His film roles include Loving and The House on Carroll Street while television appearances include Armstrong Circle Theatre, Kojak, The Adams Chronicles, Lou Grant and Spenser: For Hire. He also appeared in the first episode of Law & Order, "Prescription for Death".

Sparer narrated the unabridged audiobook of Kahlil Gibran's 1923 book The Prophet, first published in 1985 and reissued in 2006.[1][2]

Personal life

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Sparer was born in Boston, Massachusetts to a Jewish family. He was married to actress Nancy Marchand and had three children and seven grandchildren. Sparer died of cancer in Manhattan on November 19, 1999.[3]

Marchand died of lung cancer half a year later on June 18, 2000, one day before she was to turn 72.[4]

Filmography

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Year Title Role Notes
1970LovingMarve
1978King of the GypsiesDave's Doctor
1987Hiding OutJudge
1988The House on Carroll StreetRandolph Slote
1990Law and OrderDr. Edward AusterEpisode 1, "Prescription for Death"

References

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  1. D.B. (2007). "THE PROPHET by Kahlil Gibran". AudioFile (June/July ed.). Retrieved November 10, 2025.
  2. Gibran, Kahlil (2006). The Prophet (Audiobook). Paul Sparer. Random House Audio. ISBN 0-7393-3328-3.
  3. "Paid Notice: Deaths SPARER, PAUL". The New York Times. December 7, 1999. Retrieved December 20, 2021.
  4. "OBITUARY". Broadcasting & Cable. June 25, 2000. Retrieved November 10, 2025.
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