Peter-Henry Schroeder, a multifaceted figure in the entertainment industry, passed away peacefully on June 7 at the age of 90 at the Lake City VA Medical Center in Florida, surrounded by family. With a career that spanned acting, producing, and teaching, Schroeder left behind a rich legacy in both Hollywood and the veteran community. His most notable screen appearances included portraying a Klingon Chancellor in Star Trek: Enterprise and a producer in the Academy Award-winning film Argo. He also appeared alongside acclaimed actors Meryl Streep and Alan Alda in the 1979 drama The Seduction of Joe Tynan.
Born in 1934, Schroeder’s journey began with military service. Drafted into the U.S. Army during the Korean War, he served from 1953 to 1955. His assignment included working with a USO unit, where he witnessed a performance by Marilyn Monroe — a moment that left a lasting impression on him. After completing his service, he returned to civilian life and pursued acting, training under renowned coach Paula Strasberg. This transition marked the beginning of his career in entertainment, which would span decades and multiple disciplines.
In addition to acting, Schroeder explored music and recording. He signed with Capitol Records and Ascot and released two singles, Where’s the Girl for Me in 1960 and Memories of Marilyn in 1964 — the latter a tribute to the iconic star he had seen perform during his time in Korea. Schroeder later expanded his involvement in the industry by founding his own production company, PHS Productions, which gave him creative control over his projects and allowed him to venture further into the world of producing.
A passionate educator, Schroeder shared his knowledge and experience with aspiring actors. He served as a guest instructor at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts and founded the Actor/Artist Group Workshop in 1979. Through these efforts, he mentored many young artists and remained committed to fostering talent within the performing arts community.
Even in his final days, Schroeder’s dedication to his craft never wavered. His family recalled that he frequently expressed a desire to return to Los Angeles to continue working. His last major on-screen credit came in Argo, where he portrayed a film producer in a role that echoed his real-life experiences and involvement in the industry. The film’s critical success served as a fitting capstone to a career rooted in passion and persistence.
Peter-Henry Schroeder will be honored with a military service at the VA National Cemetery in Los Angeles, with details to be announced by his family. He is survived by his daughter Valerie Lynn Schroeder, his son Peter Henry Schroeder II, daughter-in-law Felicia Cristiani Bass, and two grandsons, Peter Henry Schroeder III and Jarrid Michael Schroeder. His life and career serve as a testament to his enduring love for the arts, his country, and his family.
