American Actor. He was a character actor whose acting career spanned more than 30 years. He attended Purdue University, majoring in drama, before joining the Trinity Repertory Theatre in Providence, Rhode Island. He appeared in several Broadway productions before moving to Los Angeles where he landed roles in such films as 'The Silence of the Lambs' (1991), 'Basic Instinct' (1992), 'Philadelphia' (1993), 'RoboCop 3' (1993), 'Crimson Tide' (1995), 'Lord of Illusions' (1995), 'Looking for Richard' (1996), 'The Postman' (1997), 'Snow Falling on Cedars' (1999), 'O Brother, Where Art Thou?' (2000) and 'The Majestic' (2001). Although he appeared in many television shows, his two most memorable characters were those of George Costanza’s boss, Mr. Kruger during the last season of 'Seinfeld', and as the eye patch-wearing Commandant Spangler on the sitcom 'Malcolm in the Middle'. In February 2012, he was seriously injured when he shot himself in the temple in an apparent suicide attempt, distraught because he had been battling diabetes and was set to have two toes removed. Von Bargen died from complications of diabetes.
American Actor. He was a character actor whose acting career spanned more than 30 years. He attended Purdue University, majoring in drama, before joining the Trinity Repertory Theatre in Providence, Rhode Island. He appeared in several Broadway productions before moving to Los Angeles where he landed roles in such films as 'The Silence of the Lambs' (1991), 'Basic Instinct' (1992), 'Philadelphia' (1993), 'RoboCop 3' (1993), 'Crimson Tide' (1995), 'Lord of Illusions' (1995), 'Looking for Richard' (1996), 'The Postman' (1997), 'Snow Falling on Cedars' (1999), 'O Brother, Where Art Thou?' (2000) and 'The Majestic' (2001). Although he appeared in many television shows, his two most memorable characters were those of George Costanza’s boss, Mr. Kruger during the last season of 'Seinfeld', and as the eye patch-wearing Commandant Spangler on the sitcom 'Malcolm in the Middle'. In February 2012, he was seriously injured when he shot himself in the temple in an apparent suicide attempt, distraught because he had been battling diabetes and was set to have two toes removed. Von Bargen died from complications of diabetes.
Bio by: Louis du Mort
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