Leslie Easterbrook, best known as Sgt. Callahan in Police Academy, has had a long, dynamic career that spans comedy, horror, and music. Born in Nebraska and adopted as a baby, she grew up in a musical household and originally dreamed of becoming an opera singer. But Hollywood soon came calling. Her breakout TV role came on Laverne & Shirley, but Police Academy made her a star. Though she doubted she could play a tough, s exually confident character, her performance became iconic.
Easterbrook trained in martial arts and firearms to bring realism to her roles—eventually winning a state shooting competition. Beyond comedy, she starred in Rob Zombie’s horror films and appeared in over 300 TV shows.
Known for her powerful voice, she sang the national anthem at Super Bowl XVII—after sprinting through a parking lot in heels to make it in time.
Injured on set and later widowed after the death of her husband, writer Dan Wilcox, in 2024, Easterbrook remains admired for her resilience, warmth, and talent. Though semi-retired, she continues to be a beloved Hollywood figure at 75.