Peter Van Norden, 'Police Academy 2' and '‘The Naked Gun 2½’ actor, dies at 75

Peter Van Norden, the actor known for "Police Academy 2," "The Naked Gun 2 ½" and his extensive work as a stage actor, has died. He was 75 years old. Van Norden’s wife, Wendy, told TMZ that he died peacefully Thursday at a hospice facility in Southern California. He had several health conditions, she said. "We lost a legend last night with the passing of Peter Van Norden," Preston Peterson wrote on Facebook. "He came on board at the last minute to our little indie film and elevated the movie beyond measure. He braved sub-zero night shoots and long days, but always showed up with a smile and ready to deliver. "He was kind, thoughtful, and inspiring. He taught me so much about making movies in our little time together, and he never failed to send me a birthday message all these years later. There aren't many people like him in Hollywood, and those who knew him can attest to his talent, his professionalism, and his empathy.RELATED: Celebrity deaths of 2026: The entertainers and artists we lost this year"You are, and will always be, deeply missed.""When Peter Van Norden came to Arizona Theatre Company to play King Charles III he set an example that everyone could, and should, aspire to," Matt August shared on Facebook. "In every way. In the rehearsal hall, onstage and off. Always the hardest worker, always the kindest gentleman, always sharing his talent, wisdom and tenacity with grace and humility. He will be sorely missed by those of us lucky enough to have worked with him, and will be posthumously admired all the rest."Van Norden grew up in New York City and started his Hollywood career in the late ‘70s with a role in the comedy "Squeeze Play."He played Officer Vinnie Schtulman in "Police Academy 2: Their First Assignment" and former White House Chief of Staff John Sununu in "The Naked Gun 2½: The Smell of Fear."He also had roles in "Waitress!," "Cheers," "T.J. Hooker," "The Stand" and "Roadhouse 66."Van Norden will also be remembered for his extensive work as a stage actor, with roles on Broadway and in regional theaters nationwide. He had deep ties to the Los Angeles theater community and was described by critics as "one of L.A.’s most assured Shakespearean actors.""Whenever I saw his name in a theater program, I breathed more easily, knowing that whatever else might happen that evening I would at the very least have the pleasure and the privilege of another Van Norden master class," Los Angeles Times critic Charles McNulty wrote.