James B. Sikking, star of “Hill Street Blues,” dies at the age of 90

James B. Sikking as Lieutenant Howard Hunter in Hill Street Blues.
Photo: David Sutton/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images

James B. Sikking, the actor known for his Emmy-nominated role as a strict lieutenant in Hill Street Blueshas died at the age of 90. The television star died on Saturday from the effects of dementia, his press spokesman confirmed to diversity“In a remarkable career, Sikking’s wonderfully exciting face gave us drama, comedy, tragedy and hilarious farces,” Sikking’s spokeswoman Cynthia Snyder said in a statement. “His career spanned six decades on television, film and stage.”

Born James Barrie Sikking on March 5, 1934 in Los Angeles, the young actor had small roles early in his career and appeared in shows such as Perry Mason, The outer limitsAnd General hospital. His most popular role was in the 1981 police series Hill Street Blues as Howard Hunter for the entire seven seasons of the series. Sikking followed Mountain Road with the doctor sitcom Doogie Howser, MDas the father of the title character of the series, played by Neil Patrick Harris. His prolific film career includes roles in Star Trek III: The Search for Spock, The fileAnd Point emptyThe actor continued his career in the next millennium with appearances in Larry David’s Curb your enthusiasmthe film Out of honorand police procedures The nearer.