Actor Peter Van Norden Dies at 75

Veteran actor Peter Van Norden died early Thursday in a Southern California hospice facility at age 75. His wife, Wendy, confirmed the death to TMZ. His son, Robert, also announced the passing in an Instagram post.

Norden appeared in more than 70 screen projects across film and television. He played Officer Vinnie Schtulman in the 1985 comedy Police Academy 2: Their First Assignment.

Norden also performed in dramatic parts.

He played attorney Paulsen in the 1988 film The Accused, which earned Jodie Foster her first Best Actress Oscar. He portrayed Ralph Brentner in the 1994 miniseries adaptation of Stephen King’s The Stand.

“Peter passed away peacefully last night with his wife, Wendy, at his side. He was a terrific father, husband, friend, and a greatly respected member of the theater community. He appeared in guest roles on series including Cheers, ER, L.A. Law, Murder, She Wrote, and 9-1-1. Born Peter Edward Van Norden on Dec. 16, 1960, in New York City, he began his screen career with a bit role in the 1980 film Squeeze Play.”