Every Actor from ‘Police Academy’ Franchise Who Died
The ‘Police Academy’ franchise, starting in 1984, brought laughter to millions with its goofy humor and memorable characters. Over the years, many actors from these films have passed away, leaving behind legacies in comedy, drama, and beyond.
This article lists the actors from the ‘Police Academy’ series who are no longer with us, highlighting their roles and contributions. Each entry shares key details about their lives and careers in a clear, concise way.
Jerry Paris
Jerry Paris played a priest in a police lineup in ‘Police Academy 3: Back in Training’. He was also a talented director, best known for helming episodes of ‘The Dick Van Dyke Show’ and ‘Happy Days’.
Born in 1925 in San Francisco, Paris started acting in the 1950s with roles in films like ‘The Caine Mutiny’ and ‘Marty’. He died in 1986 from a brain tumor at age 60, shortly after directing ‘Police Academy 3’.
Jeff Gillen
Jeff Gillen appeared as a thief’s victim in ‘Police Academy 5: Assignment: Miami Beach’. He was also known for his role in the holiday classic ‘A Christmas Story’.
Born in 1942 in Ohio, Gillen acted and directed, with credits in films like ‘Deranged’. He passed away in 1995 at age 52 from a heart attack.
Mariya Vinogradova
Mariya Vinogradova played an old lady in Gorky Park in ‘Police Academy: Mission to Moscow’. A Russian actress, she was a master of small roles and voiced hundreds of animated films.
Born in 1922, she worked in theater and cinema, including dubbing stars like Audrey Hepburn. She died in 1995 at age 72; the cause of death was not disclosed.
Beth Amos
Beth Amos played a little old lady in the original ‘Police Academy’. She also appeared in horror films like ‘Prom Night’ and ‘Bullies’.
Born in 1916 in Ontario, Canada, Amos was active in Canadian film and TV. She died in 1996 at age 80 from a heart attack.
Ed Herlihy
Ed Herlihy played Dooley in ‘Police Academy 2: Their First Assignment’. A renowned announcer, he worked on ‘The Tonight Show’ and voiced Kraft Foods ads for decades.
Born in 1909, Herlihy had a rich career in radio and TV. He died in 1999 at age 89 from natural causes.
Darwyn Swalve
Darwyn Swalve was Ox in ‘Police Academy 6: City Under Siege’. He also performed in the Broadway musical ‘City of Angels’ and did stunts in films.
Born in Iowa, Swalve’s dream was to act on Broadway, which he achieved. He died in 1999 at age 52 from a heart attack.
Arthur Batanides
Arthur Batanides played Mr. Kirkland in four ‘Police Academy’ films, from ‘Police Academy 2’ to ‘Police Academy 6’. He was a familiar face in 1960s TV, including ‘Star Trek’ and ‘The Twilight Zone’.
Born in 1923, Batanides acted in many TV shows and films, often as tough characters. He died in 2000 at age 76 from natural causes.
David Graf
David Graf was beloved as Eugene Tackleberry in all seven ‘Police Academy’ films. His tough but funny character became a fan favorite.
Born in 1950 in Ohio, Graf trained as a theater actor before breaking into films. He died in 2001 at age 50 from a heart attack.
Diana Bellamy
Diana Bellamy played a nurse in ‘Police Academy 2: Their First Assignment’. She was known for roles in ‘Outbreak’ and ‘Air Force One’.
Born in 1943 in Los Angeles, Bellamy acted on stage and screen despite health challenges. She died in 2001 at age 57 from cancer.
Sid Gould
Sid Gould portrayed a man with a harmonica in ‘Police Academy 4: Citizens on Patrol’. He was a familiar face in comedies, appearing in ‘History of the World: Part I’ and ‘Hot Stuff’.
Born in 1912 in The Bronx, Gould had a long career in film and TV. He passed away in 1996 at age 83; the cause of death was not shared.
Ted Ross
Ted Ross portrayed Captain Reed in the first ‘Police Academy’. He also starred in ‘Arthur’ and ‘The Wiz’.
Born in 1934, Ross had a vibrant career in film and TV, including ‘A Different World’. He died in 2002 at age 68 from stroke complications.
Billie Bird
Billie Bird played Mrs. Feldman and Mrs. Stanwyck in ‘Police Academy 4’ and ‘Police Academy 6’. She was a vaudeville star and appeared in ‘Home Alone’ and ‘Sixteen Candles’.
Born in 1908 in Idaho, Bird entertained troops during the Vietnam War. She died in 2002 at age 94 from Alzheimer’s disease.
James Wong
James Wong appeared as a ninja in ‘Police Academy 4: Citizens on Patrol’. A Hong Kong actor, he was known for ‘A Chinese Ghost Story’ and ‘The Big Boss’.
Born in 1940 in China, Wong was also a composer and music director. He died in 2004 at age 64 from lung cancer.
Sandy Ward
Sandy Ward played Sistrunk in ‘Police Academy 2: Their First Assignment’. He appeared in ‘The Perfect Storm’ and ‘Under Siege’.
Born in 1926 in Colorado, Ward had a steady career in action and drama films. He died in 2005 at age 78; the cause was not disclosed.
Debralee Scott
Debralee Scott played Violet Fackler in ‘Police Academy’ and ‘Police Academy 3’. She was known for ‘Welcome Back, Kotter’ and ‘Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman’.
Born in 1953 in New Jersey, Scott faced personal struggles after losing her fiancé in 9/11. She died in 2005 at age 52 from cirrhosis.
Jack Creley
Jack Creley played Mr. Bellows and a judge in ‘Police Academy 3’ and ‘Police Academy 4’. He was known for roles in ‘Videodrome’ and ‘Dr. Strangelove’.
Born in 1926 in Chicago, Creley had a long career in film and theater. He died in 2004 at age 78 from congestive heart failure.
Rita Tuckett
Rita Tuckett played Ms. Tyler in ‘Police Academy 3: Back in Training’. She also appeared in ‘Pushing Tin’ and ‘Storm of the Century’.
Born in 1909 in England, Tuckett acted in Canadian productions. She died in 2005 at age 96; the cause was not shared.
Tab Thacker
Tab Thacker played House in ‘Police Academy 4’ and ‘Police Academy 5’. He also starred in ‘Wildcats’.
Born in 1962 in North Carolina, Thacker was a former wrestler turned actor. He died in 2007 at age 45 from diabetes complications.
Joyce Gordon
Joyce Gordon played Mrs. Thompson in the first ‘Police Academy’. She was known for ‘Billy Madison’ and Canadian TV shows.
Born in 1934 in Montreal, Gordon had a long career in acting and voice work. She died in 2008 at age 73 from cancer.
Kenneth Mars
Kenneth Mars played the mayor in ‘Police Academy 6: City Under Siege’. He was famous for roles in ‘The Producers’ and ‘Young Frankenstein’.
Born in 1935, Mars was a beloved comedian and voice actor. He died in 2011 at age 75 from pancreatic cancer.
Nikolai Pastukhov
Nikolai Pastukhov played the patriarch in ‘Police Academy: Mission to Moscow’. He was known for Russian films like ‘Uncle Vanya’.
Born in 1923 in Russia, Pastukhov had a long career in theater and film. He died in 2014 at age 91; the cause was undisclosed.
Bubba Smith
Bubba Smith played Moses Hightower in six ‘Police Academy’ films. A former NFL star, he brought charm to his gentle giant role.
Born in 1945 in Texas, Smith transitioned from football to acting with ease. He died in 2011 at age 66 from a phentermine overdose.
Ed Nelson
Ed Nelson played Governor Neilson in ‘Police Academy 3: Back in Training’. He was a star in ‘Peyton Place’ and worked with Roger Corman.
Born in 1928 in New Orleans, Nelson had a diverse career in TV and film. He died in 2014 at age 85 from congestive heart failure.
Christopher Lee
Christopher Lee played Commandant Rakov in ‘Police Academy: Mission to Moscow’. He was iconic as Dracula and starred in ‘Star Wars’ and ‘The Lord of the Rings’.
Born in 1922 in London, Lee’s career spanned decades with over 200 roles. He died in 2015 at age 93 from heart failure.
Andrew Rubin
Andrew Rubin played George Martin in the first ‘Police Academy’. He also starred in ‘Casey’s Shadow’ and TV shows like ‘The Jeffersons’.
Born in 1946 in Massachusetts, Rubin acted on stage and screen before traveling the world. He died in 2015 at age 69 from lung cancer.
George Gaynes
George Gaynes played Commandant Lassard in all seven ‘Police Academy’ films. He was also known for ‘Tootsie’ and ‘Punky Brewster’.
Born in 1917 in Helsinki, Gaynes had a rich career in theater, film, and TV. He died in 2016 at age 98; the cause was not shared.
James Carroll
James Carroll played a warehouse supplier in ‘Police Academy 4: Citizens on Patrol’. He appeared in ‘Death to Smoochy’ and ‘Dirty Work’.
Born in 1955 in Philadelphia, Carroll worked in both American and Canadian productions. He died in 2016 at age 60 from small cell lung cancer.
Stuart Nisbet
Stuart Nisbet played an anchor person in ‘Police Academy: Mission to Moscow’. He was known for ‘In the Heat of the Night’ and many TV roles.
Born in 1934 in Los Angeles, Nisbet ran a casting agency alongside acting. He died in 2016 at age 82; the cause was not disclosed.
Doug Lennox
Doug Lennox played the main bad guy and an axe murderer in ‘Police Academy’ and ‘Police Academy 3’. He appeared in ‘X-Men’ and ‘Lars and the Real Girl’.
Born in 1938 in Ontario, Lennox was a familiar face in Canadian film. He died in 2015 at age 77; the cause was not disclosed.
Dan Fitzgerald
Dan Fitzgerald played Commissioner Murdock in ‘Police Academy 5: Assignment: Miami Beach’. He appeared in ‘The Final Countdown’ and ‘In Her Shoes’.
Born in 1928 in Wisconsin, Fitzgerald had a steady career in film. He died in 2017 at age 88; the cause was not disclosed.
Julio Oscar Mechoso
Julio Oscar Mechoso played a shooting range cop in ‘Police Academy 5: Assignment: Miami Beach’. He was known for ‘Planet Terror’ and ‘Jurassic Park III’.
Born in 1955 in Cuba, Mechoso was a versatile character actor. He died in 2017 at age 62 from a heart attack.
Michael J. Reynolds
Michael J. Reynolds played an office executive in the first ‘Police Academy’. He appeared in ‘The Descent: Part 2’ and ‘Leap Year’.
Born in 1939 in Toronto, Reynolds worked extensively in film and TV. He died in 2018 at age 78; the cause was not shared.
Natalya Pozdnyakova
Natalya Pozdnyakova played Katrina’s replacement translator in ‘Police Academy: Mission to Moscow’. She appeared in Russian films like ‘Na ostriye mecha’.
Born in 1955 in Moscow, Pozdnyakova had a notable career in Russian cinema. She died in 2022 at age 66; the cause was not disclosed.
George R. Robertson
George R. Robertson played Chief Hurst in six ‘Police Academy’ films. He also appeared in ‘JFK’ and ‘Still Mine’.
Born in Canada, Robertson was a steady presence in film and TV. He died in 2023 at age 89; the cause was not shared.
Allyn Ann McLerie
Allyn Ann McLerie played Irina Petrovskaya in ‘Police Academy: Mission to Moscow’. She was known for ‘Calamity Jane’ and Broadway roles.
Born in 1926 in Canada, McLerie was a dancer, singer, and actress. She died in 2018 at age 91 from Alzheimer’s disease.
Marion Ramsey
Marion Ramsey played Laverne Hooks in six ‘Police Academy’ films. Her soft-spoken yet fierce character was a fan favorite.
Born in 1947 in Philadelphia, Ramsey starred in Broadway’s ‘Eubie!’ and TV shows like ‘The Jeffersons’. She died in 2021 at age 73; the cause was not disclosed.
James Hampton
James Hampton played the Mayor of Miami in ‘Police Academy 5: Assignment: Miami Beach’. He was known for ‘F Troop’ and ‘Sling Blade’.
Born in 1936 in Texas, Hampton acted and directed in film and TV. He died in 2021 at age 84 from Parkinson’s disease.
Diane Fabian
Diane Fabian played a purse-snatching victim in ‘Police Academy 4: Citizens on Patrol’. She appeared in ‘The Super Mario Bros. Super Show!’ and ‘Get Over It’.
Born in 1941, Fabian was a Canadian actress with a range of roles. She died in 2021 at age 80; the cause was not shared.
René Auberjonois
Rene Auberjonois played Tony in ‘Police Academy 5: Assignment: Miami Beach’. He was famous for ‘Star Trek: Deep Space Nine’ and ‘Benson’.
Born in 1940 in New York, Auberjonois won a Tony Award for ‘Coco’. He died in 2019 at age 79 from metastatic lung cancer.
Kay Hawtrey
Kay Hawtrey played a poetess in ‘Police Academy 4: Citizens on Patrol’. She was known for ‘Videodrome’ and ‘Urban Legend’.
Born in 1926 in Toronto, Hawtrey had a long career in Canadian film and TV. She died in 2021 at age 94; the cause was not disclosed.
Art Metrano
Art Metrano played Lieutenant Mauser in ‘Police Academy 2’ and ‘Police Academy 3’. He was known for ‘History of the World: Part I’.
Born in 1936 in New York, Metrano was a comedian and actor. He died in 2021 at age 84 from natural causes.
Howard Hesseman
Howard Hesseman played Pete Lassard in ‘Police Academy 2: Their First Assignment’. He was famous for ‘WKRP in Cincinnati’ and ‘This Is Spinal Tap’.
Born in 1940 in Oregon, Hesseman was a counterculture icon and actor. He died in 2022 at age 81 from colon surgery complications.
Beans Morocco
Beans Morocco played Bob the Janitor and a bank president in ‘Police Academy 5’ and ‘Police Academy 6’. He appeared in ‘Billy Jack’ and ‘Eating Raoul’.
Born in San Francisco, Morocco was part of the improv group The Committee. He died in 2025 at age 86; the cause was not disclosed.
We made this list with the help of Wezqu on IMDb.
Which ‘Police Academy’ actor’s performance or legacy resonates with you the most? Share your thoughts in the comments!