James B. Sikking, Hill Street Blues Star, Dead at 90

Also known for his role in the medical sitcom Doogie Howser, M.D.

James B. Sikking, the actor known for his Emmy-nominated turn as a stern lieutenant in Hill Street Blues, is dead at 90. The television star died of complications from dementia on Saturday, his publicist confirmed to Variety. “In a remarkable career, Sikking’s wonderfully exciting face gave us drama, comedy, tragedy and hilarious farse,” Sikking’s publicist Cynthia Snyder said in a statement. “His career spanned over six decades in television, film and on stage.”

Born James Barrie Sikking on March 5, 1934, in Los Angeles, the young actor had bit parts early in his career, appearing in shows like Perry Mason, The Outer Limits, and General Hospital. His most beloved role came in 1981 when he starred in the police procedural Hill Street Blues as Howard Hunter for the entirety of the show’s seven-season run. Sikking followed Hill Street with the medical sitcom Doogie Howser, M.D., as the father of the show’s titular character, played by Neil Patrick Harris. His prolific film career includes roles in Star Trek III: The Search for Spock, The Pelican Brief, and Point Blank. The actor continued his career in the next millennium with appearances in Larry David’s Curb Your Enthusiasm, the film Made of Honor, and the police procedural The Closer.