Art Metrano

Best known for his role as Mauser in the "Police Academy" movies, Art Metrano made his film debut in 1961 in the Cold War thriller "Rocket Attack United States" Before long he was snagging small roles on a variety of television programs, including "The Mod Squad," "Mannix," "Adam-12," and "Bewitched," on which he made five appearances, each time as a different character. He continued popping up on television shows throughout the '70s, and became a recurring guest on "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson," where he'd perform a purposely poor magic act for laughs. By the '80s, Metrano had built a solid reputation as a comedic performer, and was cast as Lt. / Captain Mauser in the sequel to the hit comedy "Police Academy." His popular character returned for the franchise's third film, "Police Academy 3: Back in Training."

However, a crippling fall from a ladder prevented Metrano from returning for the successive sequels, though he continued to work in television, often in cop shows. Metrano has created a one-man stage show about his life titled "Jews Don't Belong on Ladders...An Accidental Comedy," which has raised more than $75,000 for Project Support for Spinal Cord Injury, an organization that purchases crutches, wheelchairs, and supplies for victims of spinal injuries. Art Metrano died on September 8, 2021 in Aventura, FL at the age of 84.