Paul Maslansky Dies: ‘Police Academy’ Producer Was 91

Paul Maslansky, the producer behind the Police Academy franchise, has died. He was 91.

The Emmy nominee’s death was announced by Police Academy (1984) writer Pat Proft in a heartfelt statement on Friday, recounting their work together on Proft’s first film, which launched six sequels and two series, one animated and one live-action.

“Thankful for meeting Paul Maslansky,” wrote Proft on Facebook. “He hired me and Neal Israel to research and write Police Academy. First film I ever wrote. Paul has passed away. Sally and his son.. sorry for your loss. He left behind a trail of comedies. Good life.”

Born Nov. 23, 1933 in New York City, Maslansky produced such films as The Castle of the Living Dead (1964), Race with the Devil (1975), Damnation Alley (1977), Return to Oz (1985), The Russia House (1990), Cop & 1/2 (1993) and Fluke (1995).

After his 1978 Martin Luther King Jr. limited series King was nominated for an Emmy, Maslansky found success with 1984’s Police Academy. He also made several cameos in the franchise, which starred Steve Guttenberg, Kim Cattrall, Bubba Smith and more.