James B. Sikking, ‘tremendous character actor’ and star of Hill Street Blues dies, age 90

James B. Sikking, renowned for his iconic portrayal of Lt. Howard Hunter on Hill Street Blues and as the beloved father figure on Doogie Howser, M.D., has sadly passed away at the age of 90.

His publicist Cynthia Snyder issued a statement announcing his passing, revealing that he died of complications from dementia.

Born on March 5, 1934, he began his acting career with an uncredited role in Roger Corman’s Five Guns West and a minor part in an episode of Perry Mason.

Throughout the 1970s, he made guest appearances in popular television series such as Mission: Impossible, M.A.S.H., The F.B.I., The Rockford Files, Hawaii Five-O, Charlie’s Angels, and Little House on the Prairie.

However, it was his portrayal of Lt. Howard Hunter in the police drama Hill Street Blues that catapulted Sikking to fame, earning him an Emmy nomination for outstanding supporting actor in 1984.

Following his tenure on Hill Street Blues, he starred in nearly 100 episodes of Doogie Howser, M.D. alongside Neil Patrick Harris.

As news of his passing spread, fans were left “saddened” and “reeling”, prompting many to rush to offer tributes and reflect on some of their favourite roles.

Saddened by the passing of James B Sikking. Howard was my favourite character on the show. R.I.P pic.twitter.com/36w6ZyRIIq

— Hill Street Blues Fan Group (@HSBFans) July 15, 2024

So long to Captain Styles. RIP James B. Sikking from STAR TREK III: THE SEARCH FOR SPOCK, HILL STREET BLUES and many Peter Hyams movies (never as Spota, surprisingly). And he is one of the few actors to play a member of the Magnificent Seven (in THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN RIDE!). pic.twitter.com/c65MJBge9N

— Marty McKee (@MartyMcKee) July 15, 2024

Reeling in disbelief from news that James B. Sikking has passed. As Howard Hunter, commander of the “EATers” on HILL STREET BLUES, he was my favorite character. Also remember him in OUTLAND, ST III, OLLIE HOPNOODLE, “Tuttle” ep of MASH & more. RIP James—and be careful out there. pic.twitter.com/3oxSGlYIJ3

— The Curator (@TheCuratorSays) July 15, 2024

RIP James B Sikking – a tremendous character actor – best know, by me, for Hill Street Blues, Outland, and as Excelsior Captain Styles of the immortal ‘stealing the Enterprise’ sequence in Star Trek IIIhttps://t.co/2fBEPsm4KV pic.twitter.com/GSloNM7gu0

— Lee Grice 💬 (@LovelyLee_G) July 15, 2024

He is survived by his wife Florine Caplan, his two children, and four grandchildren.

-with AP.