Actor Michael Morrison, 33, Player In `As The World Turns'

NEW YORK - Michael Morrison, the soap-opera actor who played Caleb on "As the World Turns," died in his sleep at a friend's apartment, police said. He was 33.

The woman friend, who was not identified, discovered Mr. Morrison was not breathing when she woke up Thursday morning, said Sgt. Edelle James.

The cause of death was not immediately known. An autopsy was performed, but results were not immediately available, said Ellen Borakove, a spokeswoman for the city medical examiner.

Mr. Morrison played the role of Caleb Snyder on the CBS soap opera since June 1988, said Janet Storm, a spokeswoman for the show's production company. Another actor will play the role for the time being, she said.

Laurence Caso, the show's executive producer, said in a statement: "He was a respected and beloved member of our cast and he will be truly missed."

The actor also worked in Joseph Papp's Shakespeare Theatre in Central Park, several Broadway productions and in other television shows, including the CBS television movie "Hobson's Choice," Storm said.

Mr. Morrison, of Peekskill, is survived by his wife, actress Amy McDonald, and their 2-year-old son.