John Vernon Dies

The actor, who made his name in 'Dirty Harry' and 'Animal House', dies of complications following heart surgery.

Feb  7 2005

'Dirty Harry' star John Vernon died at his Los Angeles home last week following complications from heart surgery. He was 72.

The Canadian actor - who was perhaps best known for his role as Dean Wormer in 'National Lampoon's Animal House', originally studied acting at London's Royal Academy of Dramatic Art before landing his first major film role as the voice of 'Big Brother' in the 1956 version of George Orwell's 1984.

He then worked successfully in film and television for nearly 50 years, making his name on the big screen in movies like 'Topaz', 'Point Blank', 'The Outlaw Josey Wales' and 'Dirty Harry', in which he starred as the mayor.

It was his role as Wormer in 'Animal House' that best captured the public's imagination. Subsequently, he spent much of the 80s playing figures of authority in comedies like 'Airplane II: The Sequel', 'Fraternity Vacation' and 'I'm Gonna Git You Sucka'.

In more recent years Vernon found success as a voiceover artist, lending his talents to the Batman, Fantastic Four and Incredible Hulk cartoons.