Stephen Furst
Biography
Stephen Furst (May 8 1955 – June 16 2017) was an American actor and film‑ and television‑director born in Norfolk, Virginia. He began his screen career with the comedy National Lampoon’s Animal House, playing the freshman Flounder, and later became a regular on television, portraying Dr. Elliot Axelrod on St. Elsewhere and Centauri diplomatic attaché Vir Cotto on the science‑fiction series Babylon 5. His film work also included roles in the college comedy Midnight Madness (1980) and the action thriller Silent Rage (1982). Furst was credited under the name Stephen Fuerstein L and accumulated more than 80 acting credits before his death at age 62.
Career overview
Stephen Furst (May 8 1955 – June 16 2017) was an American actor whose career began with the comedy classic National Lampoon’s Animal House, in which he portrayed the freshman fraternity member Flounder. Following that breakthrough, he appeared in a range of film projects, including the college comedy Midnight Madness (1980) where he played a team leader in an all‑night mystery game, and the action thriller Silent Rage (1982) as a deputy to a sheriff portrayed by Chuck Norris. The actor continued to work steadily in both cinema and television, contributing to numerous motion pictures and series throughout his career.
On television, Furst became a familiar face as a regular cast member in two notable series. He played Dr. Elliot Axelrod on the medical drama St. Elsewhere, and later took on the recurring role of Vir Cotto, a Centauri diplomatic attaché, in the science‑fiction series Babylon 5. In addition to his acting work, he was also credited as a film and television director. Born in Norfolk, Virginia, Furst’s career spanned over three decades, leaving a legacy of memorable supporting performances across a variety of genres.
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Frequent co-stars
Career timeline
Full Filmography
89 titles- Bad Stepmother (2018) Executive Producer
- Trailer Park Shark (2017) Producer
- Family of Lies (2017) Executive Producer
- Saltwater (2016) Producer
- Christmas in Homestead (2016) Executive Producer
- Cold Moon (2016) Producer
- My Sister's Keeper (2009) Executive Producer
- Animal House: The Inside Story (2008) as Self
- Starz Inside: In the Gutter (2008) as Self
- Warbirds (2008) Co-Producer
- Basilisk: The Serpent King (2006) as Carlton
- Basilisk: The Serpent King (2006) Director
- Path of Destruction (2005) as Terry
- Path of Destruction (2005) Director
- Dragon Storm (2004) Director
- E!'s 101 (2003) as Self
- Christmas Vacation 2: Cousin Eddie's Island Adventure (2003) as Hospital Doctor
- Searching for Haizmann (2003) as Dr. Gaulforid
- Where Are They Now?: A Delta Alumni Update (2003) as Kent 'Flounder' Dorfman
- Autopsy Room Four (2003) as Howard Randall Cottrell
- She Spies (2002) as Mr. Washman / Dental Patient
- Sorority Boys (2002) as The Alum
- Scrubs (2001) as Dr. Franklyn
- Title to Murder (2001) as Oscar, the Security Guard
- Title to Murder (2001) Director
- Buzz Lightyear of Star Command (2000) as Booster (voice)
- Buzz Lightyear of Star Command: The Adventure Begins (2000) as Booster Muchapper (voice)
- The Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea (2000) as Dash (voice)
- Everything's Jake (2000) as Assistant Librarian
- Stageghost (2000) Director
- Crusade (1999) Director
- Baby Huey's Great Easter Adventure (1999) as Phantoms' Manager / Baby Huey (Voice)
- Baby Huey's Great Easter Adventure (1999) Director
- Babylon 5: Thirdspace (1998) as Vir Cotto
- Little Bigfoot 2: The Journey Home (1998) as Derby Ferris
- The Yearbook: An Animal House Reunion (1998) as Self - Flounder
- Jungle Cubs (1996)
- Road Rovers (1996) as Sport (voice)
- Back to Back (1996) as Jimmy
- Freakazoid! (1995) as Fan Boy (voice)
- Misery Loves Company (1995)
- Cops n Roberts (1995)
- Goldilocks and the Three Bears (1995) as Hawkins
- Chicago Hope (1994) as Elliot Feinstein
- Babylon 5 (1994) as Vir Cotto
- Babylon 5 (1994) Director
- Rebel Highway (1994) as Frank Doyle
- Shake, Rattle and Rock! (1994) as Frank
- Magic Kid II (1994) as Uncle Bob
- Magic Kid II (1994) Director
- Magic Kid II (1994) Writer
- Diagnosis: Murder (1993) as Vic Slovak
- Good Advice (1993) as Roger
- Magic Kid (1993) as Bob Ryan
- Magic Kid (1993) Additional Dialogue
- Melrose Place (1992) as Public Defender Benjamin Skyler
- Jack's Place (1992)
- Dream On (1990) as Leon Carp
- Bobby's World (1990)
- Shades of L.A. (1990)
- Sydney (1990)
- Doctor Doctor (1989)
- The Dream Team (1989) as Albert Ianuzzi
- Have Faith (1989)
- ALF Loves a Mystery (1987)
- Throb (1986)
- MacGyver (1985) as Dr. Kozby
- Howie Mandel: Live from Carnegie Mall (1985)
- Murder, She Wrote (1984) as Sgt. Paulsen
- Night Court (1984) as Alexander Tobin
- Up the Creek (1984) as Gonzer
- The Pigs vs. The Freaks (1984) as Steamboat
- The Day After (1983) as Aldo
- St. Elsewhere (1982) as Elliot Axelrod
- Faerie Tale Theatre (1982) as Peter
- Silent Rage (1982) as Charlie
- Class Reunion (1982) as Hubert Downs
- Midnight Madness (1980) as Harold - Blue Team Leader
- The Unseen (1980) as 'Junior' Keller (The Unseen)
- Getting Wasted (1980) as Marshall
- Kraft Salutes Disneyland's 25th Anniversary (1980) as Self
- Delta House (1979) as Kent 'Flounder' Dorfman
- Scavenger Hunt (1979) as Merle
- Take Down (1979) as Randy Jensen
- Swim Team (1979) as Bear
- Animal House (1978) as Kent 'Flounder' Dorfman
- CHiPs (1977)
- American Raspberry (1977) as Fat Gin Player
- The Jeffersons (1975)
Frequently Asked Questions
What movies or TV shows is Stephen Furst best known for?
Stephen Furst is widely recognized for notable roles and projects including My Sister's Keeper (2009), Abyss of Passion (2012), Drugstore Cowboy (1989), Scrubs (2001).
When and where was Stephen Furst born?
Stephen Furst was born on May 8, 1955 in Norfolk, Virginia, USA. They passed away on June 16, 2017.
How many credits does Stephen Furst have?
Stephen Furst has accumulated over 89 film and television credits across a career spanning from 1975 to 2018.
What is Stephen Furst's background in cinema and television?
Stephen Furst (May 8 1955 – June 16 2017) was an American actor and film‑ and television‑director born in Norfolk, Virginia. He began his screen career with the comedy National Lampoon’s Animal House, playing the freshman Flounder, and later became a regular on television, portraying Dr. Elliot Axelrod on St. Elsewhere...