George Gaynes was an American actor (1917-2016). He played John Van Horn in the comedy film Tootsie and starred as Commandant Lassard in the Police Academy film franchise. Gaynes served in both the Dutch and British Navies during World War II. He appeared in the television series Punky Brewster and Hearts Afire. Gaynes also sang songs including A Quiet Girl, The Contract with Agnes Moorehead and Maria Karnilova, and What a Waste.