'Seinfeld' actor Stanley Anderson dead at 78 from brain cancer
Actor Stanley Anderson, who most will recognize from minor but significant roles in several TV shows and movies, has passed away at the age of 78. The news was published by The Hollywood Reporter, who confirmed the death as per a statement from his family.
The actor passed away on Sunday, more than a months after he was diagnosed with brain cancer.
After serving two years in Korea, Anderson began his professional acting career in 1967 after he graduated with a Theatre Master's degree from the San Jose State University. At the uni, he managed to make appearances in 16 different productions.
Before he embarked on numerous roles in television and cinema, he spent over 23 years in over 200 different productions as a professional actor working at Arena Stage, ACT, The Actors Company, — all not-for-profit regional theaters — and the California Shakespeare Festival, amongst others. He spent over 17 years at the first, making his debut in the starring role of Randall P. McMurphy in 'One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" before going on to appear in nearly 100 of their productions.
Anderson is perhaps best-known for his role as Drew Carey's father, George Carey, on 'The Drew Carey Show.' He also presided over a trial in the infamous role of Judge Arthur Vandelay in the series finale of 'Seinfeld,' where he would sentence Jerry and his friends to a year in prison for violating the 'Good Samaritan Law' in a fake town in Massachusetts. Other TV appearances include 'The Practice' and 'X-Files.'
He also played General Slocum in 2002's 'Spider-Man.' He would inadvertently be responsible for Dr. Norman Osborn's transformation into the Green Goblin after he threatened to cut funding if he did not use the ability-enhancing serum on a human subject.
His filmography also includes the likes of 'Deceived,' 'Robocop 3,' 'The Pelican Brief,' 'Proof of Life,' as well as Michael Bay's 'The Rock' and 'Armageddon.' His significant on-screen presence meant he was often cast in roles of authority, be it doctors, judges, psychiatrists, or even the president, which he portrayed in the Michael Bay projects.
Anderson was also a major voiceover talent for National Geographic, Discovery Channel, The Learning Channel, PBS, and the History Channel documentaries.
In the brief statement, his family wrote: "He was most proud, ultimately, of the part he played in politics," which likely referred to his loud advocation for Democratic issues and candidates over the years.
Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time.