George Gaynes

Also known as George Jongejans

American actor (1917–2016)

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Key facts

Born: George Jongejans , ( 1917-05-16 ) May 16, 1917 [O.S. May 3], Helsinki , Grand Duchy of Finland , Russian Empire
Died: February 15, 2016 (2016-02-15) (aged 98), North Bend, Washington , U.S.
Occupations: Actor, singer
Years active: 1940–2003
Known for: Tootsie , Police Academy , Punky Brewster
Spouse: Allyn Ann McLerie ( married</span>"}]]}'>m. December 20, 1953</span>"}]]}'>1953 )
Parent s: Gerrit Jongejans (father) , Iya Grigorievna de Gay (mother)

Article

George Gaynes (born George Jongejans; May 16, 1917 – February 15, 2016) was a Dutch-American singer, actor, and voice artist. Born to a Dutch father and a Russian mother in the Grand Duchy of Finland of the Russian Empire, he served in the Royal Netherlands Navy during World War II, and subsequently emigrated to the United States, where he became a citizen and began his acting career on Broadway.

Gaynes' most recognized roles in cinema were that of Commandant Eric Lassard in the Police Academy series and as John Van Horn in the 1982 comedy film Tootsie. He appeared as the curmudgeonly but lovable foster parent Henry Warnimont on the NBC series Punky Brewster; as high-powered theatrical producer Arthur Feldman on The Days and Nights of Molly Dodd; as Senator Strobe Smithers in the hit TV show Hearts Afire; and as Frank Smith, the mob boss brought down on the soap opera General Hospital.