Peter Van Norden, Police Academy 2 and The Stand Actor, Dies at 75

Peter Van Norden, a character actor known for films like “Police Academy 2: Their First Assignment” and television projects including the Stephen King miniseries “The Stand,” died Thursday in California at age 75, according to Variety. His son, Robert, confirmed the news on Instagram.

Van Norden’s screen career began in 1979 with “Squeeze Play.” He later appeared in the courtroom drama “The Accused,” starring Jodie Foster and Kelly McGillis, in which he played Attorney Paulsen. In the comedy sequel “Police Academy 2,” he portrayed the slobby police dog officer Vinnie Schtulman.

What other TV shows was he in?

During the 1980s and 1990s, Van Norden was a frequent guest star on popular series. His television credits include “Cheers,” “St. Elsehwere,” “Family Ties,” “Murder, She Wrote,” and “Tales From the Crypt.” In the 1994 miniseries “The Stand,” he played the farmer Ralph Brentner. He also portrayed Henry Kissinger in the 1990s series “Dark Skies.”

What was his later career like?

Van Norden continued to work on television into the 2000s, with appearances on shows including “ER,” “Without a Trace,” “Nash Bridges,” and “9-1-1.” He maintained a parallel career in theater, performing onstage with several companies after starting his career in plays like “Measure for Measure” and “Romeo and Juliet.” Born in New York, he was a graduate of Colgate University.

He is survived by his wife, Wendy, and his son, Robert.