Paul Maslansky, the acclaimed film producer behind the popular Police Academy comedy series, died on Friday at 91. Pat Proft, the writer of the first Police Academy film, acknowledged his death, ending his famous Hollywood career.
Maslansky, born on November 23, 1933, in New York City, had a diverse career spanning decades and cinematic genres. While he is most known for the Police Academy series, which premiered in 1984, his career demonstrates a wide range of talent.
Maslansky made several significant films, including cult favourites like The Castle of the Living Dead (1964), Race with the Devil (1975), Damnation Alley (1977), and Return to Oz (1985). His later works were The Russia House (1990), Cop & 1/2 (1993), and Fluke (1995).
Before his success with the Police Academy films, Maslansky received critical recognition for his 1978 limited series King, which centred on Martin Luther King Jr. and earned him an Emmy nomination. However, the Police Academy franchise cemented his place in popular culture. The initial picture spawned six sequels and two television versions, one animated and one live-action.
Pat Proft wrote a poignant tribute on Facebook, saying, “I am Thankful for meeting Paul Maslansky. He hired me and Neal Israel to study and publish Police Academy, ” the first film I ever wrote. Proft noted Maslansky’s impact on beginning careers in the film industry.
The Police Academy series became a cultural icon, launching the careers of actors including Steve Guttenberg, Kim Cattrall, and Bubba Smith. Maslansky’s entrepreneurial zeal rang through not just in his producing work but also in his brief cameo roles in films.
Maslansky is survived by his wife Sally and son. They are mourning the death of a beloved husband and father. His film-producing legacy, which includes humor, drama, and adventure, demonstrates the astonishing diversity that marked his career.
