MICHAEL JETER - ACTOR MICHAEL JETER DIES

EMMY-award winning actor MICHAEL JETER has died at the age of 50.

Jeter's body was found in his Hollywood Hills home on Sunday (30MAR03).

It is thought the actor, who was HIV-positive, died of natural causes - but an autopsy is planned to determine the cause of death.

Jeter is most famous for his role as MR NOODLE in TV kids show SESAME STREET, but was also a successful stage actor, winning a TONY award in 1990.

In recent years he graced the big screen with parts in blockbuster hits FEAR AND LOATHING IN LAS VEGAS and THE GREEN MILE.

At the time of his death, Jeter was filming THE POLAR EXPRESS alongside his Green Mile co-star TOM HANKS.

His publicist DICK GUTTMAN said producers expected to be able to preserve his role in the movie with footage already shot.