Why Judge Arthur Vandelay From Seinfeld Looks So Familiar

Stanley Anderson’s acting roles were by no means limited to men in official positions of power. He might be best known as Drew Carey’s father George on “The Drew Carey Show, ” on which he appeared 10 times throughout the show’s nine-season run. George Carey was a Korean war vet who could be stern and stoic but was very open and affectionate with Drew and his friends. 

Anderson’s last credited appearance came on a 2005 episode of “NYPD Blue.” He died at age 78 in 2018, just six weeks after learning he had brain cancer (via The Hollywood Reporter). 

Upon his death, his family released a statement via the Cision PR newswire that read in part, “Stanley’s professional acting career began with the Seattle Repertory Theatre, and continued with the Actor’s Theatre of Louisville, and more than 20 years at Arena Stage in Washington, D.C … Concurrent with his acting career, he was well-known behind the scenes for his three decades of voiceover work in ads for Democratic candidates and issues across the country. He was most proud, ultimately, of the part he played in politics.”

Before and after appearing as Judge Arthur Vandelay on “Seinfeld,” Anderson’s stature and booming voice made him a presence to be reckoned with in roles both serious and comic.