Stephen Furst, ‘Animal House’ and ‘St. Elsewhere’ Actor, Dies at 63

The actor and filmmaker was well known for his breakout role of Flounder in ‘Animal House.’

Stephen Furst, perhaps best known as Flounder in Animal House, died Friday from complications with diabetes, the actor’s rep told The Hollywood Reporter. He was 63.

His two sons Nathan and Griffith Furst announced the news on the actor’s Facebook page, paying tribute to their “brilliant and prolific actor and filmmaker” father.

“Steve has a long list of earthly accomplishments,” his sons said in the post. “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.”

The actor was also known for playing the role of Dr. Axelrod in the 1980s medical TV drama St. Elsewhere, and later as Vir Cotto in Babylon 5, which he occasionally directed as well.

After his breakout role of Kent “Flounder” Dorfman in 1978’s Animal House, he had several guest appearances on TV shows such as Newhart, CHiPS and The Jeffersons until he landed the role on St. Elsewhere, which aired from 1982-1988.

“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,” continues the post. “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.”