Charles Durning

Charles Durning (born February 28, 1923) is an American actor and World War II veteran. His Disney roles included Doc Hopper in The Muppet Movie, Chief Brandon in Dick Tracy, Det. Lt. Bobby Mallory in V.I. Warshawski and The Director in Spy Hard. He also made a brief appearance in the 1979 special The Muppets Go Hollywood, aired as a promotion for The Muppet Movie. In contrast to his Doc Hopper role, and referencing his experience as a hoofer, he dances with Miss Piggy, who must discourage a persistent Christopher Reeve from cutting in. Durning was on the short list of actors that Jim Henson considered for the role of Mike Tarkanian in The Great Muppet Caper.