Beloved character actor George Gaynes — the bumbling commandant in the “Police Acadamy” movies and the foster parent of “Punky Brewster” — passed away on Monday at the age of 98.
It was the end of a long and impressive career, with the beloved actor making his final big-screen appearance with Ashton Kutcher in the 2003 comedy “Just Married.”
George had been working steadily onscreen since 1955, but suddenly enjoyed newfound celebrity in the 1980s. 1984’s “Police Academy” was a surprise hit. (He’s pictured above with fellow “Academy” star Michael Winslow.)
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He began his four-season stint on “Punky Brewster” that same year — and kept playing Commandant Eric Lassard in “Police Academy” projects until 1998!
George died at his daughter’s home in North Bend, Wash.
Soleil Moon Frye, who played the title tyke in “Punky Brewster,” went to social media to say: “The universe just gained a gigantic star. You will be in my heart and soul always & forever.”
