Peter Van Norden, the actor best known for his roles in Police Academy 2: Their First Assignment and The Naked Gun 2½: The Smell of Fear, passed away on Thursday at the age of 75. His son, Robert, confirmed the news in a statement on Instagram, writing: "Peter passed away peacefully last night with his wife, Wendy, at his side. He was a terrific father, husband, friend, and a greatly respected member of the theatre community. He will be missed."
Health Battle and Final Days
Speaking with TMZ, Van Norden's wife, Wendy, revealed that the actor died in a Southern California hospice facility on Thursday after struggling with a number of different health conditions. The family has not disclosed the specific illnesses but expressed gratitude for the care he received.
Career Highlights
Born in New York in 1950, Van Norden graduated magna cum laude from Colgate University before embarking on a decades-long career on stage and screen. He was a respected thespian and Broadway star, appearing in productions of Romeo and Juliet, Macbeth, Cymbeline, A Christmas Carol, Hairspray, Singin' in the Rain, and The Tempest.
On screen, he was recognized for playing Officer Vinnie Schtulman in Police Academy 2: Their First Assignment (1985) and John Sununu in The Naked Gun 2½: The Smell of Fear (1991). His television credits included roles in Cheers, St. Elsewhere, Family Ties, Murder, She Wrote, Matlock, and The Stand.
Tributes Pour In
Following the news of his passing, tributes have poured in across social media. LA Theatre Works wrote: "We're saddened to say farewell to Peter van Norden, a stage icon and a longtime friend. In addition to his recordings for LATW, he joined our groundbreaking China tour of 'Top Secret: The Battle for the Pentagon Papers'. Thanks for your amazing work Peter. We will miss you."
Producer Gary Smart said: "RIP Peter Van Norden. He was a genuinely lovely chap who I enjoyed spending a little time with - since then he's kept in touch on Facebook. Condolences to his family."
Actor and director Eric Allan Kramer recalled: "Saw that Peter Van Norden had passed last night. Met him for the first time back when I was in Antaeus. Respected and generous actor, someone who made a production better just by being in it… Was grateful to have known him. RIP."
