Peter Van Norden, 'Police Academy 2' actor, dies at 75
Peter Van Norden, actor in Police Academy 2 and the 1994 TV miniseries The Stand, has died at 75. His son Robert confirmed the news on Instagram, according to Variety. Van Norden died Thursday in California after a long career as a character actor across film, television, and stage.
Key Takeaways
- Peter Van Norden died Thursday in California at age 75; his son Robert confirmed the news on Instagram.
- He was best known as Officer Vinnie Schtulman in Police Academy 2: Their First Assignment and Ralph Brentner in the 1994 miniseries The Stand.
- Born in New York, he graduated from Colgate University and began in theater before his 1979 film debut in Squeeze Play.
- His TV resume included guest spots on Cheers, Murder, She Wrote, 9-1-1, and many other series.
- He is survived by his wife, Wendy, and son, Robert.
Who Was Peter Van Norden?
Van Norden was a frequent character actor whose work stretched from gritty dramas to broad comedies. Born in New York, he graduated from Colgate University and started on stage in productions including Measure for Measure, A Country Scandal, and Romeo and Juliet.
His first screen role came in 1979's Squeeze Play. He later appeared in films such as Waitress!, The Accused — where he played Attorney Paulsen opposite Jodie Foster and Kelly McGillis — and Gigli.
What Roles Did He Play in Police Academy 2 and The Stand?
In Police Academy 2: Their First Assignment, Van Norden played Officer Vinnie Schtulman, a slobby police dog officer at the 16th precinct partnered with Steve Guttenberg's Officer Mahoney.
In Stephen King's 1994 miniseries The Stand, he portrayed Ralph Brentner, a farmer who travels west with a group fleeing the devastation caused by a weaponized virus.
He also played Henry Kissinger in the 1990s series Dark Skies, adding another memorable credit to a long résumé of supporting parts.
What TV Shows Did Peter Van Norden Appear In?
During the 1980s, Van Norden logged frequent guest roles on Cheers, St. Elsewhere, T.J. Hooker, Malibu, Silver Spoons, Family Ties, and Murder, She Wrote.
Later credits included two episodes of Tales From the Crypt, plus appearances on Nash Bridges, Family Matters, 9-1-1, Without a Trace, Days of Our Lives, ER, and The Invisible Man. He continued working in theater with several different companies throughout his career.
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Who Survived Peter Van Norden?
Van Norden is survived by his wife, Wendy, and his son, Robert.
His death marks the loss of a reliable screen presence whose credits helped shape the look and feel of popular film and television from the late 1970s through the 2010s.