Erin Brockovich's mentor Ed Masry dies at age 73.

Edward L. Masry, the crusty personal-injury lawyer portrayed by
Albert Finney in the Oscar-winning movie "Erin 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 Erin 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 "Erin Brockovich," starring
Julia Roberts. Roberts won the best-actress Oscar 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. . . . . .Source



(Albert Finney and Julia Roberts)