‘Hill Street Blues’ star Barbara Bosson dies, age 83

Actress Barbara Bosson, known for her role as Fay Furillo in the popular ’80s police drama Hill Street Blues, has passed away at the age of 83.

Bosson died on Saturday, February 18, her son Jesse Bochco, announced her death in a post on Instagram.

“More spirit and zest than you could shake a stick at,” he wrote.

“When she loved you, you felt it without a doubt. If she didn’t, you may well have also known that too. Forever in our hearts. I love you Mama. Barbara “Babs” Bosson Bochco 1939-2023.”

 

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Born November 1, 1939, Bosson’s first on-screen appearance came in the 1968 crime thriller Bullitt.

Bosson went on to secure a number of minor roles in film and television before starring in the 1970s series Richie Brockelman, Private Eye. 

Her most notable role came in the 1980s NBC television series Hill Street Blues where she played Fay Furillo during the series’ first six seasons. Her portrayal of Furillo in the groundbreaking series earned her five Emmy Award nominations for Best Supporting Actress in a Dramatic Series.

Bosson later portrayed prosecutor Miriam Grasso on Murder One from 1995 to 1997, which earned her yet another Emmy Award nomination.

In addition to her notable performances in Hill Street Blues and Murder One, Bosson also appeared in the television shows such as Hooperman, Cop Rock, L.A. Law, Star Trek: Deep Space Nice, and Mannix.

She also portrayed Alex Rogan’s mother in the science fiction film The Last Starfighter in 1984.

In the wake of her death, fans and colleagues took to social media to reflect on Bosson’s life and career.

The beautiful and wonderful Barbara Bosson has left us. Colleague,friend and surrogate mother. My heart is shattered by her departure. Bow your heads for her loved ones who are so very devastated by her departure. Love you Babs,you made us all better with your kindness pic.twitter.com/MhbK8pGqol

— TitusWelliver (@welliver_titus) February 20, 2023

Rip Barbara Bosson, a lovely lady and a fine actress. We did a scene together on my last appearance on HSB. The dierctor told us “We need some chitchat before Jennifer gets killed.” So she asked me about the future & I adlibbed I wanted to take cooking classes & then I got shot. https://t.co/UQVPXesGym

— Jennifer Tilly (@JenniferTilly) February 20, 2023

I remember interviewing #BarbaraBosson during the run of her former husband Steven Bochco’s superb “Hill Street Blues,” on which she cast ego to the wind as the often shrill Fay Furillo. Also great on his “Murder One” and in the underrated “Capricorn One.” May she rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/omgKQJ8lnF

— Jay Bobbin (@JayBobbin1) February 21, 2023

#BREAKING – Actress Barbara Bosson of “Hills Street Blues” fame has died at the age of 83, reports @thr. She played Fay Furillo on the show. No cause given but her son, Jesse, says she died on Saturday. pic.twitter.com/ROaJdBdcjD

— George Pennacchio (@abc7george) February 20, 2023

R.I.P. Barbara Bosson (1939-2923). She was an American actress. Her most notable role came in the television series “Hill Street Blues” (1981–1987), for which she was consecutively nominated for five Primetime Emmy Awards. Goodbye, Barbara. #RIP pic.twitter.com/SrBr4TgmRz

— ❤️????️‍???? Lovable & Huggable BradHound ????️‍????❤️ (@BradHound) February 21, 2023

Bosson is survived by her son, daughter, granddaughter, and grandson.