Peter Van Norden, Supporting Comic Actor in 1980s and 1990s Hits, Dies at 75

Peter Van Norden, a character actor who appeared in beloved comedies of the 1980s and 1990s, has died at the age of 75. His wife, Wendy, confirmed to TMZ that he passed away peacefully in a Southern California hospice facility.

TMZ'Police Academy' Star Peter Van Norden Dead at 75

"passed away peacefully in a Southern California hospice facility"

Van Norden was best known for supporting roles in Police Academy 2: Their First Assignment and The Naked Gun 2½: The Smell of Fear, according to Deadline. He had a career that spanned several decades with appearances in numerous films and television shows.

"struggling with multiple health conditions"

According to Deadline, Van Norden was born in New York City in 1950 and graduated magna cum laude from Colgate University. He moved to Los Angeles in the 1970s and made his onscreen debut in the 1979 comedy Squeeze Play!.

Van Norden's work in comedy highlights a career of reliable, scene-stealing performances in blockbuster franchises. His passing marks the loss of another familiar face from an era of slapstick and buddy comedies that defined the late 20th century box office.