Police Academy star Peter Van Norden dies at 75

Peter Van Norden — a longtime actor who starred in several hit comedies in the ’80s and ’90s — has died… TMZ has confirmed.

The actor’s wife, WendyTMZ reports… Peter died peacefully Thursday morning at a hospice in Southern California while suffering from several different health issues. Wendy was with him when he died.

Peter – originally from New York – made his Hollywood debut in the late 1970s… landing a small role in the controversial comedy “Squeeze Play.”

Over the next decade, Pete appeared in popular projects like “Waitress!” », “Cheers”, “TJ Hooker”, “The Stand” and “Roadhouse 66”, with Willem Dafoe And Judge Reinhold.

Fans of screwball comedies will likely recognize Peter as Officer Vinnie Schtulman from “Police Academy 2: Their First Assignment” and “The Naked Gun 2½: The Smell of Fear” as former White House Chief of Staff John Sununu.

In addition to his film and television credits, Peter was also a beloved stage actor…landing roles on Broadway and in regional theaters across the country.

Peter’s final credit came when he played Joe in a production of “Corktown ’39” at the Matrix Theater in Los Angeles last year. Her performance in the drama about the IRA’s involvement in the Second World War was well received by local critics.

He is survived by Wendy and their son, Robert.

Pierre was 75 years old.

RIP