Actor Art Metrano, known best for his roles in the second and third “Police Academy” films, has died. He was 84.
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Harry Metrano, the actor’s son, confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter that his father died of natural causes on Wednesday at his home in Aventura, Florida.
Harry posted a tribute to his dad in a touching Instagram post on Thursday.
“It’s with a heavy heart that I write this caption. Yesterday I lost my best friend, my mentor, my dad. He was and will always be the toughest man I know,” began the caption to the photo of the two.
“I have never met someone who has over come 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,” the caption continued.
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Harry added: “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.”
Metrano’s most notable role was stringent police chief Ernie Mauser in 1985’s “Police Academy 2: Their First Assignment” and the 1986 follow-up “Police Academy 3: Back in Training.”
In 1989, the actor broke his neck after falling off a ladder while working on the roof of his house. He would go on to share his experiences in a one-man stage show that he performed in a wheelchair and on crutches, titled “Metrano’s Accidental Comedy.”
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His first big-screen role was in the 1961 thriller film “Rocket Attack U.S.A.” — but the actor first big breakthrough was an appearance on the legendary “Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson.”
Metrano’s other notable film credits include 1969’s “They Shoot Horses, Don’t They?” starring Jane Fonda, as well as 1972’s “The Heartbreak Kid” and the Mel Brooks-helmed “History of the World: Part 1.”
Throughout his career, Metrano also appeared in classic television series including “Joanie Loves Chachi,” “All in the Family” and “Bewitched.”
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