“The universe just gained a gigantic star. You will be in my heart and soul always & forever. Your little Punky. RIP George Gaynes,” Soleil wrote on her Twitter account following the news of George’s passing. The actor played her adoptive TV dad for four seasons in the late 1980’s and obviously they developed a close bond. George was already 67-years-old when he took on the role of widower Henry Warnimont, who agreed to take in little Punky after she was abandoned by her parents. During the course of the show he became her foster dad and then eventually her adoptive pop so their relationship was a very tight one. Pick up Punky Brewster: The Complete Series by clicking right here.
The universe just gained a gigantic star. You will be in my heart and soul always & forever.
Your little Punky
RIP George Gaynes— soleil moon frye (@moonfrye) February 17, 2016
In addition to his beloved role on Punky Brewster, George was a prolific character actor with roles in the Police Academy movies. He also starred in Dustin Hoffman‘s classic film Tootsie as a soap opera star trying to win his alter-ego Dorothy’s affections. He didn’t start acting until his later years but certainly left a lasting impression in Hollywood.
Our thoughts go out to George’s family and friends during this sad time.