Daniel von Bargen dies at 64; actor had recurring role on ‘Seinfeld’

Daniel von Bargen, a character actor whose movie and TV roles included George Costanza’s dimwitted boss Mr. Kruger on “Seinfeld,” has died. He was 64.

Von Bargen died Sunday in the Cincinnati area, Harry Gilligan, owner of Gilligan Funeral Homes, confirmed Thursday. Gilligan said he couldn’t provide the cause of death, names of relatives or any other information. WLWT-TV in Cincinnati first reported the death.

In addition to his “Seinfeld” role, Von Bargen portrayed Commandant Edwin Spangler on “Malcolm in the Middle.” His film credits include “The Silence of the Lambs,” “O Brother, Where Art Thou?” and “Lord of Illusions.” He also had appearances on “Law & Order,” “The West Wing” and “NYPD Blue.”

Von Bargen also acted on stage in Southern California and off-Broadway. He had a starring role in the drama “The Secret Order” at the Laguna Playhouse in 2003.

Born in Cincinnati on June 5, 1950, Von Bargen attended Purdue University.

He made headlines in 2012 when he called 911 after shooting himself in the temple. He told police he was supposed to go to a hospital that day to have some toes amputated because of diabetes complications and had already had one leg amputated. He said he was feeling depressed before he shot himself.

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