Police Academy actor Art Metrano dies at 84 from natural causes

Police Academy actor and comic Art Metrano has died at 84.

Metrano died of natural causes yesterday at his home in Aventura, Florida, according to Deadline.

He was well-known for playing officer Ernie Mauser in two Police Academy films but his career was derailed in the late 80s after a serious home accident left him partially paralyzed.

Sad: Actor Art Metrano died of natural causes yesterday at his home in Aventura, Florida. He was 84

‘Yesterday I lost my best friend, my mentor, my dad,’ Metrano’s son Harry Metrano posted today on Instagram. 

‘He was and will always be the toughest man I know. I have never met someone who has over come more adversities than him. 

‘He’s fought and won so much over the years that I always viewed him as indestructible, but the truth is we don’t live forever on earth, but a person’s spirit can live forever within you.’

Metrano ended his emotional post with a message directed to his late father.

‘Dad, you will always be a part of me and I will continue to live out your legacy,’ he wrote. ‘When someone came up with the quote, “legends never die,” I’m pretty sure they were talking about you dad.   

Saying goodbye: ‘Yesterday I lost my best friend, my mentor, my dad,’ Metrano’s son Harry Metrano posted today on Instagram

‘He’s fought and won so much over the years that I always viewed him as indestructible, but the truth is we don’t live forever on earth, but a person’s spirit can live forever within you

Staying mobile: Harry included some recent photos of Art getting around on crutches and a wheelchair

‘I love you and miss you so much! One day I’ll see you again. Rest in Paradise. You’re now my guardian angel ❤️,’ he concluded. 

Harry included some recent photos of his father, including one of the father–son duo dressed up.

The two shared a laugh in another candid photo, and Art held a young girl on his lap while seated in his wheelchair in a sweet picture.