The untold story of Leslie Easterbrook – this is her today

You might know her as the fearless, no-nonsense Sgt. Callahan from Police Academy and the chilling villain in Rob Zombie’s horror classics.

But Leslie Easterbrook’s journey is more than just legendary roles — it’s a masterclass in reinvention.

From small-town Nebraska to Hollywood fame, she shattered stereotypes and redefined what it means to be a tough woman on screen. But where is she now?

Adopted when she was just a baby

Leslie Easterbrook’s career is a testament to versatility, resilience, and an undeniable screen presence.

While many recognize her as the formidable and hilarious Sgt. Debbie Callahan from Police Academy, her journey through Hollywood spans far beyond that iconic role.

Born in Nebraska and adopted at just nine months old, Leslie’s upbringing in the Midwest shaped her grounded and pragmatic outlook on life. Her adoptive father, a music professor, and her adoptive mother, an English teacher, nurtured a love for both education and music. As the only child of singing parents, Leslie was always surrounded by the sound of music.

”It was natural for us to share our love of music with Leslie. We thought she had a sweet voice, and of course, we encouraged her to join vocal groups, but it wasn’t until she went to college that we discovered what a remarkable voice she really has,” her mother told Omaha World-Herald in 1977.

Leslie Easterbrook aspired to be an opera singer, but after graduating from Kearney High School and later attending Stephens College, Easterbrook seemed destined for a conventional life. But Hollywood had other plans.

Her big break came in 1980 when she landed the role of Rhonda Lee on Laverne & Shirley, the long-running ABC hit. As the series transitioned from Milwaukee to California, her character — a glamorous, sharp-witted neighbor — quickly became a standout in the later seasons.

”It was really an amazing experience that I finally got to be a part of the show, playing the Rhonda character. Just as I got the part, there was a SAG strike. Then when the strike was over, I got a call telling me I needed to audition again for the part I thought I had already gotten. It wasn’t until six auditions later that I finally got the part and was able to start working,” Leslie once shared.

But it was her portrayal of Sgt. Callahan in Police Academy that truly made her a star. Initially hesitant about playing such a dominant, sexually confident character, Easterbrook embraced the challenge. Her commanding presence, sharp comedic timing, and fearless energy turned Callahan into a cult favorite – it’s impossible to not remember the tough and no-nonsense instructor at the police academy.

”The funny thing is, that’s not me at all. I’d never played tough. I’d played all kinds of things, but I’d never played someone who’s intimidating or someone that was aggressive sexually. I was of a size that I never played the girl who got the guy. I wondered how I could do it. But I did. I went for the audition and I scared the producer and the director and then they backed up in their chairs and I went ‘Oh no, now I really blew it. I scared them.’ So I left the audition upset. I didn’t get to read the script until I got the part. I thought it was outrageous and so funny,” Leslie once said.

How she prepared to portray Sgt. Callahan

Throughout her years as an actress in Hollywood, Leslie was always dedicated to staying in shape — despite her love of good food. She was an avid athlete, playing on a volleyball team, excelling as an equestrian, and maintaining a strong passion for running. Twice a week, she ran about 10 miles per session, keeping herself in peak condition. In addition, she took dance classes and worked out regularly at the gym.

To prepare for her roles in Police Academy, she took her training even further, undergoing intensive karate and martial arts classes to bring strength and authenticity to Sgt. Callahan’s fearless persona. And did you know that Leslie Easterbrook’s character name ”Callahan” is said to be a play on Clint Eastwood’s famous Dirty Harry character?

Yet, Police Academy was just one chapter in her extensive career. With over 300 television appearances, she left her mark on shows like Murder, She Wrote, Baywatch, Matlock, and The Dukes of Hazzard.

She even ventured into films like Private Resort before shifting into horror in the 2000s and doing movies like The Devil’s Rejects.

”The horror genre intrigues me in many ways, but I am always amazed by the stressful nature of the entertainment. Much of it is grizzly and grinding, but when I meet the fans, they are the most cheerful and delightful people in the world. I meet their children, and their parents. They are good, law-abiding, regular, delightful people.  My favorite theory is that they have found a venue to exorcise their demons — and are probably the healthiest folks around,” Leslie said.