Art Metrano, known for his portrayal of the captain in "Police Academy", died at home of natural causes at the age of 84.
(CNN) -
Art Metrano, the comedian best known for his role as ruthless Police Captain Ernie Mauser in two "Police Academy" films, known in Latin America as "Crazy Police Academy," has died at age 84.
The actor died of natural causes at his Aventura, Florida home on Wednesday, his son, Harry Metrano, told The Hollywood Reporter.
This Thursday, Metrano paid tribute to his father by sharing a carousel of photos of them together on Instagram.
Art Metrano (Center) as Captain Ernie Mauser in 1985's “Police Academy 2: Their First Assignment”
"Yesterday I lost my best friend, my mentor, my father. He was and will always be the toughest man I know. I have never met someone who has overcome more adversity than him," read the caption accompanying it.
"He fought and won so much over the years that I always saw him as indestructible, but the truth is that we do not live forever on earth, but a person's spirit can live forever within you."
Metrano continued: "Dad, you will always be a part of me and I will continue to live your legacy. When someone said the phrase 'legends never die,' I am sure they were referring to you, Dad. I love you and miss you. I will see again. Rest in paradise. Now you are my guardian angel. "
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Art Metrano's acting career spanned nearly three decades, after he landed his first performance in the 1961 thriller "Rocket Attack USA."
But his big break came in 1970 with a comedy segment on "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson."
His most memorable performance was in the 1985 film "Police Academy 2: Their First Assignment," as the long-suffering chief of police Ernie Mauser.
He reprized the role a year later in "Police Academy 3: Back in Training."
In addition to the "Police Academy" franchise, Metrano's big screen credits include Jane Fonda's 1969 feature "They Shoot Horses, Don't They?", "The Heartbreak Kid," as well as "History of the World. : I left.".
The Brooklyn-born actor was also a household name on television, with guest appearances on shows such as the ABC sitcom "Joanie Loves Chachi," "All in the Family," and "Bewitched."
In 1989, his acting career was cut short when he fell off a ladder while working on the roof of his home and broke his neck.
He later turned this experience into a comedy show called “Metrano's Accidental Comedy,” which he performed in a wheelchair and on crutches.
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