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George R. Robertson dead – Police Academy star who played Chief Hurst dies aged 89

George R. Robertson’s family have confirmed the news of the actor’s passing at the age of 89.

George was best known for starring as Chief Hurst in Police Academy, playing the well-loved character in six films.

Part of George’s moving obituary penned by his family reads: “GEORGE ROSS ROBERTSON Husband, Father, Grandfather, Actor, Writer, Painter, Humanitarian George bid this world goodbye, surrounded by his loving family on January 29, 2023, at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre.

“He leaves a legacy of many accomplishments - a splendid career in stage, films, and TV with over 80 roles on both the big and small screen, most notably the original and six sequels of Police Academy.” 

Actor George R. Robertson has died aged 89, his family have confirmed© Toronto Star via Getty Images

The late star worked in the acting industry for over 60 years, and went on to win a series of awards in and outside of the acting world, including the 1993 Margaret Collier Award and the 19th Annual Gemini Award - Humanitarian of the Year in 2004.

As well as starring in Police Academy, George also had small roles in films such as Airport (1970), Norma Rae (1979) and JFK (1991), all of which went on to be nominated for an Oscar.

George first starred as Police Academy’s Chief Hurst in 1984 and remained a staple of the franchise up until its final film in 1994.

Police Academy fans have since taken to social media to share their sadness at the news of George’s passing.

One person penned: “Say what you will about the POLICE ACADEMY series (I adore quite a few of them, personally!) but everyone on screen in those films gave it their ALL -- including the wonderful George R.Robertson (Chief Hurst), who has sadly passed away aged 89.” 

George was best know for playing Chief Hurst in Police Academy© Moviestore/REX/Shutterstock

Chief Hurst became a staple of the franchise and featured in all six films© Moviestore/REX/Shutterstock

“Canadian actor George R. Robertson has passed away p.s he [will] be missed R.I.P,” added another.

A third continued: “Farewell, my friend. I am so glad I got to interview you last month and chronicle your very full life. I look forward to sharing it with the world. George R. Robertson 1933-2023.”

“R.I.P. George R. Robertson,” another person tweeted.

The Canadian star hailed from Brampton, Ontario, where he was born in 1933.

During his high school years, he became an award-winning athlete before going on to study business at Columbia University in New York. 

The late Canadian actor was in the film industry for over six decades© Getty

It was at the school where he met his wife, Adele, whom he was with for 61 years up until the time of his death.

While he had business qualifications, George felt he was more suited to acting so went on to work in theatre.

He landed several small roles throughout the 60s and 70s before becoming a household name in the 80s after starring in Police Academy.

Reference: Ok: Story by Niamh Shackleton •