Steve Guttenberg

The days of raunchy comedies may be behind us, but Police Academy will live on as an instant classic. Steve Guttenberg was blessed with the leading role as a wise-cracking police trainee, learning just what it takes to keep the streets safe. Guttenberg had a suspicion that if he spent too long in the role, there would be no way to avoid being typecast in future roles.

Also, considering each movie gave him $1 million in revenue, the actor must’ve been certain it was the right choice to leave. Guttenberg’s disillusionment continued to grow the longer he spent with the franchise as his character Mahoney. Near the end of the series, the actor was approached by producers of Police Academy, offering him the leading role in an upcoming film. He was quoted as giving a “firm no”, including any possibility of other sequels.