You may recognize actor George R. Robertson for his role as Henry Hurst in the “Police Academy” film franchise. He was in the original film and all six of the sequels. Robertson passed away at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre in Toronto, Canada, on January 29, 2023. He was 89 years old. A cause of death was not included in his obituary.

RIP to Canadian actor George R. Robertson who has sadly died aged 89. Over a 5 decade career in TV and film including ‘The Twilight Zone’ and ‘JFK’, it will be as long suffering Commissioner Hurst in six ‘Police Academy’ movies that he will be ever remembered for. 🌷 pic.twitter.com/iFvIeIEemu

— Chris (@GelNerd) February 4, 2023

Robertson was born in 1933 in Brampton, Ontario. He attended West Hill High School where he played football and hockey. His athleticism earned him his first award, the Allan Hall Memorial Trophy, which he won in 1952. 

After high school, Robertson moved to New York City where he earned his MBA from Columbia University in 1959. That’s also where he met his wife, Adele George. They were married for 61 years and had two children together.

Robertson has 80 film and TV credits including the “Police Academy” movies. Other notable credits include “F.D.R.: The Last Year,” “JFK,” “E.N.G.,” “National Lampoon’s Senior Trip,” “Leap Years” and “The Reagans.” His last film credit was in 2017 for “Cradle to Grave.”

Say what you will about the POLICE ACADEMY series (I adore quite a few of them, personally!) but everyone on screen in those films gave it their ALL — including the wonderful George R.Robertson (Chief Hurst), who has sadly passed away aged 89. pic.twitter.com/Bke3AYnKCY

— Alicia Diaz (@AliciaMovieGal) February 4, 2023

Besides acting, Robertson was also devoted to giving back. He once walked all the way across southwest France to raise money for an orphanage in Thailand. He also traveled around Canada speaking at high schools as a UNICEF ambassador. In 1990, he won the Danny Kaye UNICEF Canada award. In his later days, Robertson enjoyed writing and painting.

Robertson is survived by his wife, their two daughters, Sarah Robertson and Ellen Robertson, as well as his grandchildren Julia and William and his step-grandchildren Ariel, Gabe, Maddie and Josh.

Watch the video below to see a clip of Robertson portraying his most well known character, Henry Hurst, in “Police Academy.”

Rest in peace.