George Gaynes

George Gaynes (May 16, 1917 – February 15, 2016) was a Finnish-born American actor, singer, and voice artist. Born George Jongejans to Dutch and Russian-Finnish parents in the Grand Duchy of Finland, he served in the Royal Netherlands Navy during World War II before immigrating to the United States. Gaynes began his acting career on Broadway and went on to achieve recognition for his roles in various films and TV shows. He is best known for portraying Commandant Eric Lassard in the Police Academy series and John Van Horn in the comedy film Tootsie. Gaynes also appeared as Senator Strobe Smithers in Hearts Afire, Henry Warnimont in Punky Brewster, and Arthur Feldman in The Days and Nights of Molly Dodd.