George Gaynes
American actor (1917–2016) / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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George Gaynes (born George Jongejans; May 16, 1917 – February 15, 2016) was a Dutch-American singer, actor, and voice artist. Born to Dutch and Russian-Finnish parents 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.
George Gaynes | |
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Born | George Jongejans (1917-05-16)May 16, 1917 [O.S. May 3] |
Died | February 15, 2016(2016-02-15) (aged 98) North Bend, Washington, U.S. |
Nationality | Dutch (1917–1948) American (1948–2016) |
Occupation(s) | Actor, singer |
Years active | 1940–2003 |
Known for | Tootsie Police Academy Punky Brewster |
Political party | Democratic Party |
Spouse | |
Children | 2 |
Parent(s) | Gerrit Jongejans (father) Iya Grigorievna de Gay (mother) |
Relatives | Gregory Gaye (uncle) |
Military career | |
Allegiance | The Netherlands |
Service/ | Royal Netherlands Navy |
Years of service | 1943–1946 |
Rank | Sergeant |
Unit | HNLMS Oranje Nassau HMS Hilary HMS Wilton |
Battles/wars | World War II |
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 by Luke Spencer (Anthony Geary) and Laura Spencer (Genie Francis) on the soap opera General Hospital.