David Rasche 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 main role as Karl Muller in the HBO drama series Succession as well as recurring and guest performances in LA Law Monk The West Wing Veep and Ugly Betty