Art Metrano
Biography
Arthur "Art" Metrano, born on September 22, 1936, in Brooklyn, New York City, was a distinguished American actor and comedian who left a mark in the world of entertainment until his passing on September 8, 2021. Metrano gained widespread recognition for his memorable portrayal of Lt./Capt./Cmdt. Mauser in the beloved Police Academy sequels, Police Academy 2 and Police Academy 3.
His journey in film began with a minor role as a truck driver in the 1961 Cold War thriller Rocket Attack U.S.A. Metrano made notable guest appearances on television, including a role in a 1968 episode of Ironside. However, he truly shone during the early 1970s with his frequent spots on talk and variety shows, particularly The Tonight Show. There, he showcased his unique style as a "magician" performing absurd tricks while humming the whimsical tune "Fine and Dandy," a composition from the 1930s.
In December 2007, Metrano took legal action against the animated series Family Guy, claiming copyright infringement and seeking damages exceeding two million dollars.
After suffering a life-altering spinal cord injury from a fall in 1989, Metrano became a passionate advocate for others with disabilities. He toured with his one-man show, "Jews Don't Belong On Ladders...An Accidental Comedy," which successfully raised over $75,000 for Project Support for Spinal Cord Injury, providing vital assistance to those in need of mobility aids.
Filmography
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The Heartbreak Kid
1972
Malibu Express
1985 • Matthew
Police Academy 3: Back in Training
1986 • Commandant Mauser
How to Beat the High Cost of Living
1980 • Gas Station Attendant
They Only Kill Their Masters
1972
Toys
1992
Teachers
1984 • Troy
Police Academy 2: Their First Assignment
1985 • Lieutenant Mauser
Slaughter's Big Rip-Off
1973 • Mario Burtoli
Matilda
1978 • Gordon Baum
Seven
1979 • Kinsella
Murder in Mind
1997 • Judge
Steambath
1973 • Longshoreman
Dirty O'Neil
1974 • Lassiter
Breathless (1983)
1983 • Birnbaum
The All-American Boy
1973 • Jay David Swooze
The Treasure of Jamaica Reef
1975 • Waiter
Movin' On
1974