George Gaynes was a Finnish-born American singer, actor, and voice artist. His most recognized roles in cinema were that of Commandant Eric Lassard in the Police Academy series (1984 - 1994) and as John Van Horn in the 1982 comedy film Tootsie (1982). His other releases include The Way We Were (1973), Nickelodeon (1976), The Crucible (1996) and Just Married (2003). Other than acting he also made his mark as singer. He married Allyn Ann McLerie, and they have two children. He passed away on February 15, 2016, at the age of 98.