Former Minor Leaguer, actor dies

Paul Gleason, who was best known for roles in "Trading Places" and "The Breakfast Club" after a Minor League Baseball career, has died. He was 67.

Gleason died Saturday at a Burbank, Calif., hospital from mesothelioma, a rare form of lung cancer linked to asbestos, said his wife, Susan.

A Miami native, Gleason was an athlete before turning to acting. He started in the Cleveland Indians organization before joining the Boston Red Sox organization from 1959-62. It was during that time he struck up a friendship with Ted Williams.

Gleason discussed their relationship in "Ted Williams: A Tribute," a 1997 book by Jim Prime and Bill Nowlin. According to IMBD.com, Gleason attended Florida State University and played football with actors Burt Reynolds and Robert Urich.

"He was an athlete, an actor and a poet," his daughter, Shannon Gleason-Grossman told the Associated Press. "He gave me and my sister a love that is beyond description that will be with us and keep us strong for the rest of our lives."

"Whenever you were with Paul, there was never a dull moment," his wife told the AP. "He was awesome."

Though his career, Gleason appeared in more than 60 movies, including "Die Hard," "Johnny Be Good" and "National Lampoon's Van Wilder." Most recently, Gleason made a handful of television appearances in hit shows such as "Friends" and "Seinfeld."

Gleason is survived by his wife, two daughters and a granddaughter. Funeral plans were pending.