Peter Van Norden Dies at 75 After Multiple Health Struggles

Q: What was the celebrated Shakespearean side of the actor known for 'Police Academy' and 'Naked Gun'?

Peter Van Norden was also widely respected as a serious Shakespearean stage actor, with Los Angeles critics calling him “one of L.A.’s most assured Shakespearean actors.” Beyond his comic film work in *Police Academy 2* and *The Naked Gun 2½*, he built a strong reputation in classical theater for his command of language, intelligence and wit. Critic Charles McNulty praised the way Van Norden brought depth, craft and joy to Shakespeare, blending classical training with the comic instincts seen in his screen roles. His notable Shakespeare work included playing Polonius and the gravedigger in Antaeus Theatre Company’s 2022 production of *Hamlet*, Alonso in a 2023 staging of *The Tempest*, and Prospero in an Antaeus revival later that year. That stage career was a major part of his legacy, showing he was valued not just as a character actor in film and television, but as a distinguished interpreter of Shakespeare.

3 articles · Updated · Deadline · Jul 11

Peter Van Norden, known for roles in “Police Academy 2” and “The Naked Gun 2½,” died Thursday morning at 75 in a Southern California hospice facility.
TMZ reported he died peacefully with his wife Wendy by his side after struggling with multiple health conditions.
Van Norden joined the “Police Academy” franchise in 1985 as Officer Vinnie Schtulman and played John H. Sununu in 1991’s “The Naked Gun 2½.”
Born in New York City on Dec. 16, 1950, he built a long film and TV career spanning “The Accused,” “Gigli,” “Cheers,” “ER” and “9-1-1,” and is survived by Wendy and son Robert.