Overview
- Van Norden died peacefully in a Southern California hospice after struggling with multiple health conditions, his family said, with reports indicating the death occurred Thursday, July 9.
- His son Robert announced the news on Instagram and his wife Wendy confirmed details to TMZ, and outlets report no specific medical cause has been released.
- He built a four-decade career in supporting film and TV roles, including Officer Vinnie Schtulman in Police Academy 2 and John Sununu in The Naked Gun 2½.
- Van Norden also maintained an extensive stage practice with Broadway and regional credits and last performed as Joe in Corktown ’39 at Los Angeles’ Matrix Theatre last year.
- He is survived by his wife Wendy and their son Robert, and colleagues and local theater groups have shared tributes noting his work mentoring actors and his longtime involvement in rehearsal workshops.