Notable Hollywood actor George Gaynes, mostly known for his roles in the Police Academy films as Commandant Eric Lassard, has passed away at the age of 98.
His daughter informed The New York Times that he passed away at his home in Washington on Monday, February 15th. Mr. Gaynes, in addition to appearing in all seven of the Police Academy films, was the star of both the film Tootsie as well as the TV show Punky Brewster. He also had both starring and guest roles in a variety of TV sitcoms such as “The Defenders,” “Mission: Impossible,” “Bonanza,” “Mannix,” “Hogan’s Heroes,” “The Six Million Dollar Man” and “Hawaii Five-0.”
The Hollywood Reporter spoke with Mr. Gaynes agent, Jonathan Howard, who had the following to say about him.
"The last couple times I got in touch with him, even in his 90s, he was always happy to take the call and consider something,” says Howard. “He was really one of the true gentlemen in this business and was working steadily for 50 years or more. A sad, sad loss. But he had a really long, great life.”
George Gaynes always appeared happy and was smiling in as many roles that I can remember him in along his tenured career. Mr. Gaynes is survived by his wife, actress Allyn Ann McLerie; a daughter; one granddaughter and two great-granddaughters.
[Hollywood Reporter] [NY Times]
