George R. Robertson passed away at the age of 89. The beloved Canadian actor had 80 film and television credits to his name, but he was best known for playing Chief Hurnst in the Police school movies. According to a announcement of Robertson’s family, he died on January 29 at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Center.
“He leaves a legacy of many achievements – a stellar career in stage, film and TV with more than 80 roles on both the big and small screen, most notably the original and six sequels of Police school. He began his career on stage and successfully worked in the industry for the next 60 years. He was honored to win the 1993 Margaret Collier Award, presented by the CBC, as Best Canadian Writer for Outstanding Work on Film or TV and the 19th Annual Gemini Award – Humanitarian of the Year in 2004,” reads the announcement of his family.
Robertson’s very first film role was an uncredited part in Rosemary’s baby. He went on to appear in many TV shows including The FBI, The twilight zone, War of the worlds, leap years, And Refuge. Are movie roles included Paperback hero, Norma Rae, Cheated, JFK, National Lampoon seniors trip, Murder at 1600And Crossfire.
He also appeared in many TV movies including The crazy trapper, FDR: The past year, The high price of passion, Hitler’s daughter, The good fight, Dancing in the dark, Hiroshima, Devil food, We were the Mulvaneys, The Pentagon papers, the Reagans, and more. His last role was in the TV movie Cradle to grave which was released in 2017.
However, it is Robertson’s role as Chief Hurnst that most fans will remember him for. He appeared in the first Police school in 1984 and went on to reprise his role for the next five films. The only one he didn’t appear in was the seventh episode because it had to go to Moscow, but he did appear in an episode of Police Academy: The Series in 1998.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Robertson earned his master’s degree in business administration in 1959 from Columbia University in New York before embarking on a stage acting career. Robertson is survived by his wife of 61, Adele; daughter, Sarah Robertson (Steve Pulver); Ellen Robertson (Mitch Adelman), grandchildren Julia and William; step-grandchildren, Ariel, Gabe, Maddie and Josh, as well as many dear cousins, great-nieces and nephews and sister-in-law, Elizabeth Sweatt. Our thoughts are with his family at this time.
