Larry Kert, `West Side Story' Star

NEW YORK - Larry Kert, who starred as Tony in the Broadway classic "West Side Story," has died of AIDS at age 60.

Kert died of the disease Wednesday at his home, said director Martin Charnin, who appeared with the actor as one of the gang members in the landmark musical that opened on Broadway in September 1957.

In this modern musical retelling of "Romeo and Juliet," Kert and Carol Lawrence played star-crossed lovers doomed by gang warfare between whites and Puerto Ricans.

The show, written by Arthur Laurents, featured explosive choreography by Jerome Robbins, a compelling, driving score by Leonard Bernstein and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim.

Kert, with his soaring tenor, got to sing some of the musical's best songs, including "Maria," "Tonight" and "Something's Coming."

In 1970, Kert replaced Dean Jones as the star of "Company," shortly after that Sondheim musical opened on Broadway. He was nominated for a Tony Award for his performance, the only cast replacement ever nominated for Broadway's highest honor.

Two years later, Kert made his London debut in the same role.

"I never met anyone in my life in the theater who loved it as much as Larry did," said Elaine Stritch, who starred with Kert in "Company." "Larry's enthusiasm and humor permeated a whole company. He even made me want to do matinees."

Among the other musicals in which Kert appeared on Broadway were "A Family Affair" (1962), "La Strada" (1969) and "A Musical Jubilee" (1975). His last Broadway appearance was in 1986 as Teresa Stratas' husband in the musical "Rags."

Kert, born in Los Angeles, studied acting with Sanford Meisner at the Neighborhood Playhouse.

Kert is survived by two sisters, singer Anita Ellis and Evelyn Kert, and a brother, Morton. His companion was Ron Pullen.

No funeral service is planned. A memorial service will be held later in the month.