George Gaynes

Actor. Often cast in musicals or comedies, he enjoyed a more than 60-year career, on stage, in films and television. He is remembered for playing ‘Henry Warnimont’ in the TV series “Punky Brewster” (1984 to 1988), ‘John Van Horn’ in the movie “Tootsie” (1982) and ‘Commandant Lassard’ in the “Police Academy” film series. Born George Jongejans, his father was a businessman of Dutch descent, his mother of Russian ancestry was an artist, his uncle Gregory Gaye had a lengthy career in American films and TV. Raised in Switzerland, France and England, he began his career in entertainment initially as an opera singer. During World War II, he served with the Royal Dutch Navy. After the war, he moved to New York City where he joined the New York Opera and in 1950, he marked his Broadway debut in the production “The Consul”. This was followed with “Out of This World” (1950 to 1951) and “Wonderful Town” (1953 to 1954) which starred Rosalind Russell. During the 1950s, he began his TV career and had credits on such programs as “The Alfred Hitchcock Hour”, “The Defenders”, “Hawaiian Eye” and “Bonanza”. Among his other film credits include “The Group” (1966), “Harry and Walter Go to New York” (1976) and “To Be or Not to Be” (1983). (bio by: C.S.)  Family links:  Children:  Matthew Gaynes (____ – 1989)* *Calculated relationship