TV icon who starred in Hill Street Blues dead after long dementia battle

ok.co.uk:

Veteran actor James B. Sikking, known for his role as Lt. Howard Hunter in the iconic 1980s TV series Hill Street Blues, has passed away at the age of 90 after a long struggle with dementia.

His publicist Cynthia Synder confirmed the sad news to Variety on Sunday, 14 July. In her tribute, Cynthia stated: "In a remarkable career, Sikking's wonderfully exciting face gave us drama, comedy, tragedy and hilarious farce." She also reflected on his extensive career noting that, "His career spanned over six decades in television, film and on stage." James' on-screen journey began with guest appearances on cult classics such as Perry Mason, General Hospital, and The Fugitive, with one of his early roles being a part in the 1968 movie Charro!

alongside legendary singer Elvis Presley. Securing his claim to fame in the early 1980s with Hill Street Blues, he became a household name over the serial's six-year tenure.

After his celebrated role in the police procedural, James went on to portray the father of Neil Patrick Harris's character in the popular series Doogie Howser, M.D, sticking with the show for its entire duration.