Actor Stephen Furst, 63, died on Friday from complications from diabetes, according to his sons’ announcement on Facebook.
Furst is best known for his breakout role as Flounder in the iconic film “National Lampoon’s Animal House.” His character’s real name, Kent Dorfman, was quickly forgotten in favor of the nickname given to him by his fraternity brothers. Flounder begins the movie as a “real zero” and gets involved in the hilarious frat hijinks that propel the film.
It’s those funny moments that Furst’s sons, Nathan and Griffith, ask friends and fans to hold on to.
“To truly honor him, do not cry for the loss of Stephen Furst,” the announcement reads. “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.”
For some, it was hard to imagine Furst as anyone other than the iconic Delta frat brother, but the actor had a long list of credits that include the television series’ “St. Elsewhere” and “Babylon 5.” He also had a career as a voice actor, recording for cartoons such as “Freakazoid!” and “Buzz Lightyear of Star Command.”
Friends and fans mourned his loss with posts on social media.
“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,” the family announcement reads.
You can relive the moment Dorfman became Flounder in the clip below.
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