Brockovich's Mentor Ed Masry Dies

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Brockovich's Mentor Ed Masry Dies

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LOS ANGELES (AP) - L. Masry, the crusty personal-injury

lawyer portrayed by Albert Finney in the -winning movie ``

Brockovich,'' has died at 73.

Masry, who practiced law for more than 40 years, died of

complications of diabetes Monday, said his son, Louis Masry.

Masry and Brockovich, his legal assistant, gained fame when

they won a $333 million settlement on behalf of more than 600

residents of the town of Hinkley. They claimed Pacific Gas &

Electric tanks leaked carcinogens into the groundwater.

Their efforts were depicted in the 2000 movie `` Brockovich,''

starring . won the best-actress and

Finney received a nomination.

Masry earned a law degree from Loyola Law School even though he

never received a bachelor's degree. He started his law practice in

Los Angeles in 1961.

He is survived by his wife, Joette; five children; and 10

grandchildren.