Edwin Stafford `` Ed '' Nelson ( December 21 , 1928 -- August 9 , 2014 ) was an American actor best known for his role as Dr. Michael Rossi in the ABC television series `` Peyton Place '' .
Edwin Stafford Nelson , known as Ed Nelson ( December 21 , 1928 -- August 9 , 2014 ) , was an American actor . He was best known for his role as Dr. Michael Rossi in the ABC television series `` Peyton Place '' .