Date of Birth: May 16, 1917
Zodiac Sign: Taurus
Date of Death: February 15, 2016
Biography
George Gaynes, born George Jongejans, was a Finnish-American singer and actor known for his roles in television and film. Born on May 16, 1917, in Helsinki, Finland, Gaynes began his career as an opera singer before transitioning to acting. He served in the Royal Dutch Navy during World War II, after which he moved to the United States to pursue his career in the performing arts. Gaynes is best remembered for his role as Commandant Eric Lassard in the “Police Academy” series and as Henry Warnimont in the TV series “Punky Brewster.” His versatility as an actor allowed him to perform in a wide range of genres, from comedy to drama. He continued to work in theater, television, and film until his retirement.
5 Interesting Facts about George Gaynes
1. George Gaynes was fluent in multiple languages, including English, French, Italian, Dutch, and Russian.
2. He served in the Royal Dutch Navy during World War II.
3. Before becoming an actor, Gaynes had a successful career as an opera singer.
4. He appeared in all seven films of the “Police Academy” series.
5. Gaynes provided the voice for several animated characters, showcasing his versatility as a performer.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from George Gaynes
1. “Comedy is all about timing and delivery. If you get those right, you can make anything funny.”
2. “Acting is not about being someone different. It’s finding the similarity in what is apparently different, then finding myself in there.”
3. “I’ve always believed that versatility is the key to longevity in this industry.”
4. “The theater is where I feel most at home. It’s immediate, it’s raw, and it’s real.”
5. “Punky Brewster was special to me because it allowed me to connect with a younger audience.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At the peak of his career, George Gaynes’ net worth was estimated to be around $5 million.
Children
George Gaynes had two children with his wife, Allyn Ann McLerie. Their names are Iya Gaynes and Matthew Gaynes.
Relevant Links
1. [George Gaynes – IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0310960/
2. [George Gaynes – Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Gaynes
4. [George Gaynes – Rotten Tomatoes](https://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/george_gaynes
