George Gaynes
A classically trained opera singer who became America's beloved, bumbling authority figure in comedies like 'Police Academy' and 'Punky Brewster.'
1917–2016 (age 99)·American actor·Birthday: May 3·The Greatest Generation
Biography
George Gaynes's career was a delightful study in contrasts. Trained in grand opera in Milan, he began on the prestigious stages of Broadway, bringing a sonorous voice and serious technique to musical theater. Yet, to American audiences, he became the face of gloriously inept authority. His turn as Commandant Lassard in the 'Police Academy' films—a kindly, confused leader utterly oblivious to the chaos around him—cemented him as a comic fixture. Earlier, he brought a similar warmth and slight bewilderment to Henry Warnimont, the foster father on 'Punky Brewster.' Gaynes possessed a rare gift: he could play foolish without being a fool, imbuing his characters with a genuine, avuncular heart. His rich, European-trained voice also made him a natural for animation, lending gravity to roles in shows like 'Jonny Quest.' From the opera house to the hijinks of Mahoney and Jones, Gaynes's long career proved that durable talent can find a home in the most unexpected, and hilarious, places.
The Greatest Generation
1901–1927
Grew up during the Depression, fought World War II, and built the postwar economic boom. Defined by shared sacrifice, institutional trust, and a belief that hard work and loyalty would be rewarded.
George was born in 1917, placing them squarely in The Greatest Generation. The events that shaped this generation — world wars, depression, and rapid industrialization — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When George Was Born
The biggest hits of 1917
#1 Movie
Cleopatra
George's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1917Born
Russian Revolution overthrows the tsar; US enters WWI
President: Woodrow Wilson
1922Started school
King Tut's tomb discovered in Egypt
President: Warren G. Harding"April Showers" — Al Jolson
1930Became a teenager
Pluto discovered
Gas: $0.20/galHome: $3,510President: Herbert Hoover"Body and Soul" — Paul WhitemanBest Picture: All Quiet on the Western Front
1933Could drive
FDR's New Deal launches; Prohibition ends
Gas: $0.18/galPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"Stormy Weather" — Ethel WatersBest Picture: Cavalcade
1935Could vote
Social Security Act signed into law
Gas: $0.19/galHome: $3,450President: Franklin D. Roosevelt"Cheek to Cheek" — Fred AstaireBest Picture: Mutiny on the Bounty
1938Turned 21
Kristallnacht and the escalation toward WWII
Gas: $0.20/galHome: $2,850Min wage: $0.25/hrPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"Begin the Beguine" — Artie ShawBest Picture: You Can't Take It with You
1947Turned 30
India gains independence; the Dead Sea Scrolls found
Gas: $0.23/galHome: $6,600Min wage: $0.40/hrPresident: Harry S. Truman"Near You" — Francis CraigBest Picture: Gentleman's Agreement
1957Turned 40
Sputnik launches the Space Age
Gas: $0.31/galHome: $10,550Min wage: $1.00/hrPresident: Dwight D. Eisenhower"All Shook Up" — Elvis PresleyBest Picture: The Bridge on the River Kwai
1967Turned 50
Summer of Love in San Francisco; first Super Bowl
Gas: $0.33/galHome: $14,250Min wage: $1.40/hrPresident: Lyndon B. Johnson"To Sir, with Love" — LuluBest Picture: In the Heat of the Night
1977Turned 60
Star Wars premieres; Elvis dies
Gas: $0.62/galHome: $31,800Min wage: $2.30/hrPresident: Jimmy Carter"Tonight's the Night" — Rod StewartBest Picture: Annie Hall
1987Turned 70
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1997Turned 80
Princess Diana dies in Paris car crash; Harry Potter published
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $104,100Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Candle in the Wind 1997" — Elton JohnBest Picture: Titanic
2016Died at 99
Donald Trump elected president; Brexit vote
Gas: $2.14/galHome: $181,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Love Yourself" — Justin BieberBest Picture: Moonlight
Key Achievements
- Played the iconic role of Commandant Eric Lassard in seven 'Police Academy' films.
- Portrayed Henry Warnimont, the kind-hearted foster father, on the hit NBC sitcom 'Punky Brewster.'
- Enjoyed a successful early career starring in Broadway productions like 'The New Moon' and 'Of Thee I Sing.'
- Provided voice work for classic animated series, including Dr. Quest on 'The Real Adventures of Jonny Quest.'
Did You Know?
He served as an officer in the Royal Netherlands Navy during World War II.
He was born in Helsinki, Finland, to a Dutch diplomat father and a Russian-born mother.
His birth name was George Jongejans; he changed it early in his performing career.
He was married to actress Allyn Ann McLerie for over 60 years, until his death.
“I'm not a dirty old man, I'm just trying to get my license.”
