Peter Van Norden, 'Police Academy' Actor, Dies at 75

Peter Van Norden, a veteran actor known for roles in hit comedies of the 1980s and 1990s, has died at the age of 75. His wife, Wendy, confirmed the sad news.

According to Wendy, the actor passed away peacefully at a hospice facility in Southern California on Thursday morning, after battling several health issues. She was by his side when he died.

A native of New York City, Van Norden began his Hollywood career in the late 1970s with a bit part in the controversial comedy "Squeeze Play." Over the next decade, he appeared in popular projects such as "Waitress!", "Cheers," "T.J. Hooker," "The Stand," and "Roadhouse 66" starring Willem Dafoe and Judge Reinhold.

However, Peter Van Norden is best remembered by audiences for his role as Officer Vinnie Schtulman in "Police Academy 2: Their First Assignment" and as White House Chief of Staff John Sununu in "The Naked Gun 2½: The Smell of Fear."

In addition to his film and TV credits, Van Norden was also a beloved stage actor, performing on Broadway and in regional theaters across the country. His final credit was the role of Joe in the production "Corktown '39" at the Matrix Theater in Los Angeles last year, where his performance in the drama about the IRA's involvement in World War II was well received by local critics.

Peter Van Norden is survived by his wife, Wendy, and their son, Robert. His death is a loss for fans of classic comedies and a reminder of the invaluable contributions of character actors.