The untold story of Leslie Easterbrook — here’s what she looks like now

You may remember her as the bold, sharp-tongued Sgt. Callahan from Police Academy, or as the terrifying antagonist in Rob Zombie’s horror films.

But Leslie Easterbrook’s story goes far beyond those iconic performances — her life is a masterclass in evolution, reinvention, and fearless self-expression.

From small-town Nebraska to Hollywood stardom, she broke stereotypes and reshaped what it meant to portray a strong woman on screen. But what happened after the fame? Where is she now?

Adopted as an infant

Leslie Easterbrook’s career reflects versatility, determination, and an unmistakable presence in front of the camera.

Most fans know her best as the unforgettable Sgt. Debbie Callahan — the commanding, sexy, yet hilarious instructor whose scenes in Police Academy instantly became cult classics. But her path in entertainment stretches far beyond that one role.

Born in Nebraska and adopted at only nine months old, Leslie’s childhood in the Midwest gave her a grounded, practical view of the world. Her adoptive father was a music professor, and her adoptive mother taught English. The two were also singers themselves, filling Leslie’s home with music from the very beginning.

“It was natural for us to share our love of music with Leslie. We always thought she had a sweet voice, and we encouraged her to join singing groups, but it wasn’t until she got to college that we realized just how extraordinary her voice really was,” her mother told the Omaha World-Herald in 1977.

Leslie originally dreamed of becoming an opera singer. After graduating from Kearney High School and attending Stephens College, it seemed she was destined for a traditional career path — but life had other plans.

Her breakout moment

Her big Hollywood break arrived in 1980 when she was cast as Rhonda Lee on Laverne & Shirley, the hit ABC sitcom. As the show shifted its setting from Milwaukee to California, Leslie’s character — an elegant, sharp-tongued neighbor — quickly became a highlight of the later seasons.

“It was such an amazing experience to finally join the show as Rhonda,” Leslie recalled. “Right after I got the part, the SAG strike happened. When it ended, I was told I had to audition again for a role I thought I already had. It took six auditions before I officially got it and could start working.”

Still, it was her role as Sgt. Callahan in Police Academy that shot her into the spotlight. Initially, Leslie wasn’t sure she could play a character so physically intimidating and sexually confident — it was unlike anything she had ever done.

“The funny thing is, that’s nothing like me,” she said. “I had never played a tough character before. I’d played many different roles, but never someone intimidating or overtly sexual. I was never the girl who got the guy. I didn’t know if I could pull it off.”

But she did. Leslie ended up shocking the producer and director during her audition — quite literally.

“I scared them!” she said. “They backed up in their chairs, and I thought I’d blown it. I left upset. I didn’t even get to read the script until after I was hired. But when I did, I thought it was outrageous and so funny.”

How she transformed into Sgt. Callahan

Throughout her Hollywood career, Leslie was committed to staying active and fit — even though she loved indulging in good food. She was naturally athletic: she played on a volleyball team, excelled as an equestrian, and maintained a strong passion for running. Twice a week, she ran about 10 miles at a time, keeping herself in incredible shape. She also took dance classes and regularly trained at the gym.

But to step into Sgt. Callahan’s intense, commanding persona, she pushed her training to another level. Leslie underwent rigorous karate and martial arts instruction to ensure her performance felt powerful and authentic.

And here’s a fun trivia note: her character’s last name, “Callahan,” is rumored to be a nod to Clint Eastwood’s iconic Dirty Harry character.

Still, Police Academy was only one part of Leslie Easterbrook’s long and varied career. With more than 300 television appearances to her name, she made her presence felt on classics like Murder, She Wrote, Baywatch, Matlock, and The Dukes of Hazzard.

She also stepped into film projects such as Private Resort before moving into the horror genre in the 2000s, taking on memorable roles in movies like The Devil’s Rejects.

“The horror world fascinates me in so many ways,” Leslie has said. “But I’m always struck by how intense and demanding the work can be. So much of it is gritty, gruesome, and emotionally draining — yet the fans are some of the kindest, most joyful people you’ll ever meet. I meet their children, their parents. They’re just regular, good-hearted people. My favorite theory is that horror gives them a place to release their inner fears — and they’re probably the healthiest people around.”

When Private Resort (1985) comes up in conversation, most people immediately think of one thing: Johnny Depp. The film is largely remembered as Depp’s first starring role in a theatrical release, appearing alongside Rob Morrow. A quintessential ’80s teen sex comedy, Private Resort relies heavily on bikinis, cheeky humor, and wild antics to win over its audience.

But for those who have actually watched the movie, another standout name frequently appears — Leslie Easterbrook.

In Private Resort, Easterbrook portrays Bobbie Sue — a seductive, razor-sharp character who becomes entwined in the outrageous weekend escapades of Jack (Depp) and Ben (Morrow) at an upscale beach resort. Her role drives one of the movie’s central subplots, using her wit, charm, and strategic flair to stir up a storm of comedic chaos.

What truly sets Easterbrook’s performance apart is the way she merges sultry charisma with impeccable comedic rhythm.

She infuses Bobbie Sue with a playful, mischievous spark, lifting the film’s humor and once again demonstrating her remarkable talent for playing bold, lively, and unpredictable women. While Private Resort never rose to the level of a timeless classic — nor did it become a highlight of Johnny Depp’s filmography — it delivered exactly what audiences expected from 1980s comedies: mischief, over-the-top antics, and a steady stream of absurdity.

Chaos at the Super Bowl

Behind the camera, Easterbrook kept clear boundaries. She agreed only to reveal her backside for the film, a condition written directly into her contract. But producers reportedly talked her into wearing a sheer negligee that appeared far more revealing than expected when lit brightly on set.

As for Depp and Morrow, they were so mortified by Private Resort that they allegedly made a pact to locate and destroy every surviving copy. Needless to say, they didn’t succeed — because decades later, the movie endures, and Easterbrook’s memorable performance remains one of its biggest talking points.

Beyond her acting roles, Easterbrook was also gifted musically. With a powerful singing voice, she performed “The Star-Spangled Banner” at multiple games for both the Los Angeles Dodgers and the California Angels in the early 1980s.

Her greatest musical highlight came in 1983 when she sang the national anthem at Super Bowl XVII. But her path to that moment in the Rose Bowl in Pasadena was anything but smooth.

It began with her singing at Angels games simply to earn free tickets, where her talent captured the attention of the Los Angeles Rams’ Head of Entertainment. Word spread quickly, and soon she was being considered for the coveted Super Bowl performance.

But nothing went according to plan. After a minor car accident caused her to miss the game where NFL commissioner Pete Rozelle intended to hear her audition in person, she mailed him a recording instead. She still secured the job — but the hurdles continued.

Her limo driver got lost. Security refused to let her inside. She sprinted across the Rose Bowl parking lot in high heels while carrying her dress. She barely had a moment to breathe before stepping onto the field.

Right before performing, she shared a lighthearted joke with the honor guard — and then delivered a flawless rendition. A few players even patted her on the back afterward, mistaking her for one of their own. The entire experience was chaotic, stressful, and unforgettable, but it all worked out in the end.

Accident on the set of Police Academy

Off-screen, Leslie became a strong advocate for firearm safety and education, producing instructional content for beginners.

In the early 1990s, she chose to learn shotgun handling — a decision sparked by an accident during a Police Academy video shoot.

She had been instructed to fire a starting pistol to kick off a footrace, and for the best camera angle, the operator told her to hold it close to her face. Not knowing she needed hearing protection, she pulled the trigger — and the sudden blast ruptured her eardrum.

The incident convinced her that if she was ever going to handle firearms in her acting career again, she needed proper training. She turned to her friend Lee Purcell, an experienced marksman, who helped her start fresh. Despite vision difficulties and the steep learning curve, she committed fully. The training was demanding, expensive, and time-consuming, but she stuck with it. Two years later, she won first place in D Class at the California State Trap Shoot — a significant accomplishment, especially since she outshot 400 lifelong male competitors.

Her passion for philanthropy — especially supporting children’s charities and law enforcement groups — showcased her devotion to causes far beyond the entertainment industry.

Leslie Easterbrook’s marriage

Her marriage to screenwriter Dan Wilcox was a defining chapter of her life, lasting until his passing in 2024. Through every era of her career, Leslie Easterbrook remained a formidable presence — refusing to be typecast and consistently challenging the limits of what people expected from her.

The veteran actress’s legacy is not solely one of Hollywood achievements; it is a story of reinvention, bravery, and leaving an unmistakable imprint on every artistic path she followed. She has maintained close friendships with former Police Academy co-star Scott Thomson and shared a deep bond with the late Marion Ramsey. Easterbrook has often said that filming the original movie made the cast feel like one big, unified family.

Now 75 years old, Leslie Easterbrook continues to prove that true icons cannot be confined to any single box. As of 2025, she has never officially retired from acting—though her roles have been less frequent in recent years. Her most recent credit dates back to 2022.

And does she remain as strikingly beautiful today as she was in her prime? Absolutely!