Canadian actor George R. Robertson of Police Academy fame has passed away. According to an obituary released by the family, Robertson died on Jan. 29 while surrounded by family members at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre in Toronto, Canada. The family also says a memorial service will be heald in March. Robertson was 89 years old.
George Ross Robertson was born on April 20, 1933, in Brampton, Ontario. He began his career in show business with stage work before going on to appear in 80 titles in film and television. During his career, Robertson would appear in three separate films that were nominated for Best Picture. This includes 1970’s Airport, 1979’s Norma Rae, and 1991’s JFK. The actor notably played Dick Cheney in the TV miniseries The Path to 9/11 with his other small screen work including a guest appearance in The Twilight Zone. Robertson also appeared in films like Rosemary’s Baby, The Amateur, Deceived, National Lampoon’s Senior Trip, and Still Mine.
It would be his role as Chief (and later Commissioner) Henry Hurst in the Police Academy movie series. He debuted in the role in the first film which was released in 1984. Robertson reprised his role for the next five sequels, up to Police Academy 6: City Under Siege in 1989. He would also reprise the role for an episode of the Police Academy TV show in the 1990s on CTV. In character as Police Chief Hurst, Robertson was also known to travel across Canada to speak with students at high schoolsad a UNICEF ambassador.
With a career that spanned 60 years, Robertson earned the 1993 Margaret Collier Award from the CBC for Best Canadian Writer for his work in film and television. He also was bestowed with the 19th Annual Gemini Award for Humanitarian of the Year in 2004. This was in acknowledgement for his “extraordinary compassion and community involvement (that has had) an enormous impact on the lives of children in Canada and around the world.” For his work as a UNICEF ambassador, he was also given the Danny Kaye UNICEF Canada award in 1990.
Away from show business, the actor enjoyed painting, writing, and spending time with family. Robertson’s survivors include his wife of 61 years, Adele George; daughter Sarah Robertson; daughter Ellen Robertson; grandchildren Julia and William; and step-grandchildren Ariel, Gabe, Maddie, and Josh, among many other loving relatives. Our thoughts go out to them at this painful time. May he rest in peace as his memory lives on.
