Actor and comedian Stephen Furst died on June 16, 2017 of complications from diabetes, his sons said on Saturday. Furst starred in many movies and TV series, beginning with the comedy classic National Lampoon’s Animal House, in which he played the lovable-yet-bumbling fraternity freshman, Flounder.
The actor did a series of other motion pictures, including Silent Rage, Up the Creek, and The Day After. He also starred as the semi-speechless mental patient in The Dream Team, along with Michael Keaton and Christopher Lloyd. Furst starred in the highly-acclaimed medical drama show, St. Elsewhere, as Dr. Elliot Axlerod. He also played Vir Cotto in the science fiction hit Babylon 5.
Furst voiced characters on projects such as TV’s Buzz Lightyear of Star Command and The Little Mermaid 2: Return to the Sea as well.
“Steve has a long list of earthly accomplishments. He was known to the world as an brilliant and prolific actor and filmmaker, but to his family and many dear friends he was also a beloved husband, father and kind friend whose memory will always be a blessing,” his sons Nathan and Griffith Furst said.
“To truly honor him, do not cry for the loss of Stephen Furst. But rather, enjoy memories of all the times he made you snicker, laugh, or even snort to your own embarrassment. He intensely believed that laugher is the best therapy, and he would want us to practice that now.
“If you knew him personally, remember his gift for lighting up a room. And no matter who you are, when you think of Steve, instead of being sad, celebrate his life by watching one of his movies or use one of his bits to make someone else laugh – really, really hard.”
In addition to his sons, Stephen Furst’s survivors include his wife, Lorraine, and two grandchildren.
(Photo Credit: Getty Images)
