David Rasche (/ˈræʃi/ RASH-ee; born August 7, 1944) is an American theater, film and television actor who is best known for his portrayal of the title character in the 1980s satirical police sitcom Sledge Hammer! Since then he has often played characters in positions of authority, in both serious and comical turns. In television he is known for his performances in L.A. Law, Monk, The West Wing, Veep, and Succession.

Early life
Rasche was born in Belleville, Illinois (less than 20 mi (32 km) from St. Louis, Missouri). His father was a minister and farmer.

Rasche graduated from Elmhurst College in 1966; his grandfather was also an alumnus. Coming from "a long line of Evangelical and United Church of Christ ministers", he attended the University of Chicago Divinity School for two years, then quit. He did, however, receive a graduate degree in English from the University of Chicago.

Rasche studied acting under Sanford Meisner.