Fortunately, soon after, Albert Hadley of Parish-Hadley Associates gave the aspiring actor his start in the decorating world.

"The bench is unique in its form and decorative qualities, such as the big, solid, rolled arms," said Mr. Hadley of Parish-Hadley Associates in New York.

A show of table settings by the designers Mario Buatta, Parish-Hadley Associates, Juan Montoya and Jay Spectre runs through Aug. 31.

Ms. Gomez worked next for Parish-Hadley Associates with Sister Parish, and Albert Hadley, before going out on her own.

He next worked at the distinguished New York design firm of McMillen, Inc. and co-founded Parish-Hadley, Associates (1962-1999).

Mrs. Bohuny is an assistant at Parish-Hadley Associates, the interior design firm in New York.

Brian Murphy, the vice president of Parish-Hadley Associates in New York, found a more pragmatic reason for the popularity of headboards.

Mr. Alexander worked with Parish-Hadley Associates from 1980 to 1986 and then formed his own design concern, Tice Alexander Inc., at 260 West 72d Street in Manhattan.

Gary Hager, an interior decorator with the Manhattan-based firm Parish-Hadley Associates, died yesterday at his sister's home in Williamsville in Erie County.

By 1962, she had joined forces with Albert Hadley, who had studied at the Parsons School and who stayed her partner in Parish-Hadley Associates until her death.