Stephen Furst’s sons, Nathan and Griffin, confirmed on Saturday that their father passed away on June 16 at his home in Moorpark in California. The cause of his death was various complications due to type II diabetes. Furst was first known for his role in the National Lampoon film "Animal House."

Resume in a pizza box for Stephen Furst

Furst first came to notice in the 1978 movie “Animal House” in his role as paternity pledge Kent “Flounder” Dorfman. According to The Pilot, Furst told them in an interview back in 2003 exactly how he managed to get the role in the comedy film.

The IBTimes reports Furst was working as a pizza delivery man at the time, while earning some money as an unknown actor and looking for a break into the movies. As he often delivered to Hollywood film people, Furst reportedly glued his resume and photo on the inside lid of each pizza box, in the hopes that the right person would open that box while reaching in for a slice of pie. It turned out the ingenious plan worked and he got the role in “Animal House” for his efforts.

Reportedly it was Matty Simmons, the “National Lampoon” publisher, who opened one of the fated pizza boxes. He said as soon as he saw Furst’s photo he pretty much knew the unknown actor could play the fat kid producers had in mind for the character of Flounder.

Furst's television career

Furst reprised the role of Flounder in the TV show “Delta House,” although that show was only short-lived. He then went on to appear in Season 2 of “St. Elsewhere” where he played the role of Dr.

Elliot Axelrod.

Some years later, Furst got a role in the popular Sci-Fi series “Babylon 5” where he played the role of Vir Cotto alongside Peter Jurasik's character, Londo Mollari.

Furst went on to feature in that series for five seasons.

On hearing of his passing, his co-star Bruce Boxleitner took to Twitter in mourning for his friend and co-star.

"I just received news of the passing of another member of our #Babylon5 family," Boxleitner tweeted. "Steven Furst 'Vir Cotto,' RIP, my friend."

Since then Furst went on to star in various TV shows, including “Misery Loves Company and “Have Faith." In addition to his acting career, and with Furst being a sufferer of Type II diabetes, he also became involved as a spokesperson for the American Diabetes Association.

Nathan Furst said in his statement on Saturday that while his father felt privileged and blessed to have his acting career, what he was most proud of was his family. Furst is also survived by his wife Lorraine, along with two grandchildren.
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