Police Academy Actor Art Metrano dies at 84
Art Metrano, ‘Police Academy’ actor and comedian, dead at 84
Art Metrano — the stand-up comedian known for his role in the “Police Academy” sequels — has died of natural causes … according to his family.
Art’s son, Harry, tells his father passed at his home Wednesday in Aventura, Florida. Harry says he didn’t just lose his dad, but also his best friend and mentor. He adds … “He was and will always be the toughest man I know. I have never met someone who has overcome more adversities than him.”
“It’s with a heavy heart that I write this caption. Yesterday, I lost my best friend, my mentor, my dad,” the younger Metrano wrote. “He was and will always be the toughest man I know. I have never met someone who has overcome more adversities than him. He’s fought and won so much over the years that I always viewed him as indestructible, but the truth is we don’t live forever on earth, but a person’s spirit can live forever within you. Dad, you will always be a part of me and I will continue to live out your legacy. When someone came up with the quote, ‘legends never die,’ I’m pretty sure they were talking about you dad. I love you and miss you so much! One day I’ll see you again. Rest in Paradise. You’re now my guardian angel.”
He made it to the big screen in 1972’s “The Heartbreak Kid” and played DaVinci in Mel Brooks‘ “History of the World: Part I,” and would go on to star as Uncle Rico on “Joanie Loves Chachi.”
A couple years later, Art landed perhaps his most famous role in the second and third “Police Academy” films … as the boss, Ernie Mauser.
Art continued acting until 2001, with his more recent credits including “Party of Five,” “How Stella Got Her Groove Back” and “Chicago Hope.”
