Veteran Actor Peter-Henry Schroeder Passes Away at 90 Leaving Behind a Legacy on Screen and Stage

Peter-Henry Schroeder, a respected character actor best known for his roles in the Oscar-winning film Argo and as a Klingon Chancellor in Star Trek: Enterprise, has passed away peacefully at the age of 90. He died on June 7 at the Lake City VA Medical Center in Florida, surrounded by family.

Schroeder’s journey began with service to his country. From 1953 to 1955, he was drafted into active duty during the Korean War, where he was assigned to a USO-affiliated unit, an early sign of the career in entertainment that would later define his life. Following his service, he trained under the renowned acting coach Paula Strasberg, honing his craft with a foundation that would support decades of work across stage and screen.

In addition to acting, Schroeder was a recording artist, releasing singles through Capitol Records and Ascot. His songs, including Where’s the Girl for Me (1960) and Memories of Marilyn (1964), reflected his personal experiences, including an unforgettable moment seeing Marilyn Monroe at a USO show in Korea—a memory that stayed with him for life.

His talents extended beyond the microphone and the set. In Hollywood, he founded PHS Productions to develop personal film projects and shared his expertise as a guest teacher at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. He also established the Actor/Artist Group Workshop in 1979, supporting the next generation of performers.

That same year, he appeared alongside Meryl Streep and Alan Alda in The Seduction of Joe Tynan, marking a key moment in his on-screen career. Over the years, he continued to secure impactful roles, including his notable portrayal of the Klingon Chancellor in a two-episode arc of Star Trek: Enterprise in 2001. He returned to major motion pictures with a role as a Hollywood producer in Argo, the Academy Award-winning film released in 2012.

In his final days, Schroeder’s passion for his work never waned. From his hospital bed, he often asked, “When are you going to get me out of here, I’ve got to get back to LA [to work],” showing the enduring spirit of an artist deeply committed to his craft.

He will be honored with a military ceremony and laid to rest at the VA National Cemetery in Los Angeles. The service date will be announced in the coming weeks. In remembrance, the family has invited tributes through the Human Animal Life Foundation, an organization close to his heart.

Peter-Henry Schroeder is survived by his daughter Valerie Lynn Schroeder, his son Peter Henry Schroeder II and daughter-in-law Felicia Cristiani Bass, as well as his grandsons Peter Henry Schroeder III and Jarrid Michael Schroeder. His legacy endures not only through his family but also through the many roles that brought depth, integrity, and life to the screen.