Hollywood Mourns Loss: Beloved 'Police Academy' Actor Peter Van Norden Passes Away at 75
Renowned character actor Peter Van Norden, known for his roles in "Police Academy 2," "The Stand," and "The Accused," has passed away at 75. A graduate of Colgate University, Van Norden enjoyed a prolific career spanning stage, film, and numerous television series. He is survived by his wife and son.
Peter Van Norden, a distinguished character actor renowned for his appearances in numerous films, including “Police Academy 2,” and television projects such as the Stephen King mini-series “The Stand,” passed away on Thursday in California at the age of 75. His son, Robert, confirmed the news via Instagram.
Born in New York, Van Norden embarked on his extensive acting career after graduating from Colgate University. He honed his craft on the stage, performing in classical plays including “Measure for Measure” and “Romeo and Juliet,” as well as “A Country Scandal.”
His transition to screen roles began in 1979 with “Squeeze Play.” He went on to feature in a variety of films, including “Waitress!” and “Gigli.” Among his most notable film performances was his role as Attorney Paulsen in the intense drama “The Accused,” which starred Jodie Foster and Kelly McGillis, depicting a powerful rape trial. He also famously portrayed the slobby police dog officer Vinnie Schtulman, a member of the 16th precinct gang, partnered with Steve Guttenberg’s Officer Mahoney in “Police Academy 2: Their First Assignment.”
The 1980s saw Van Norden become a familiar face on television, with frequent guest roles across popular series and TV movies. His credits from this era include appearances in “Cheers,” “St. Elsewhere,” “T.J. Hooker,” “Malibu,” “Silver Spoons,” “Family Ties,” and “Murder, She Wrote.”
In 1994, he took on the significant role of Ralph Brentner, a farmer who travels West to escape a weaponized virus, in Stephen King’s acclaimed mini-series “The Stand.” He later portrayed Henry Kissinger in the 1990s series “Dark Skies” and appeared in two episodes of “Tales From the Crypt,” alongside roles in “Nash Bridges” and “Family Matters.” In later stages of his career, Van Norden continued to appear in television series such as “9-1-1,” “Without a Trace,” “Days of Our Lives,” “ER,” and “The Invisible Man.”
Throughout his career, Van Norden remained dedicated to his theatrical roots, consistently working onstage with several different theater companies. He is survived by his wife, Wendy, and his son, Robert.