SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic, Oct. 22 (AP) — Nelson De La Rosa, the diminutive actor who became a good-luck charm for the Boston Red Sox during their victorious 2004 World Series run, died at a hospital in New York on Sunday. He was 38.

His death was announced by his agent, Andres Duran, who said the cause was not known.

Mr. Duran said Mr. De La Rosa, a Dominican citizen, became ill shortly after arriving in Miami on Friday from Chile, where he had been working in a circus. On Saturday, he flew to New York, where two of his brothers live, Mr. Duran said.

Image Pedro Martínez and Nelson De La Rosa after a playoff win in 2004. Credit... Al Bello/European Pressphoto Agency

Mr. De La Rosa, a dwarf who was about 2 feet 4 inches, drew public attention when he appeared with Marlon Brando in the 1996 film “The Island of Dr. Moreau.”