James B. Sikking, of Hill Street Blues and Doogie Howser, Dead at 90
James B. Sikking, an actor best known for playing Hill Street Blues‘ SWAT leader Lt. Howard Hunter and the father of Doogie Howser M.D., died peacefully at his Los Angeles home, of complications from Dementia, on July 13. He was 90.
“In a remarkable career, Sikking’s wonderfully exciting face gave us drama, comedy, tragedy and hilarious farce. His career spanned over six decades in television, film and on stage,” the late actor’s publicist, Cynthia Snyder, said in a statement. “His talent, integrity and imagination intrigued and delighted audiences.”
Neil Patrick Harris, who famously portrayed Sikking’s TV son Doogie Howser, took to Instagram Monday to pay his respects to his former co-star. “Jim Sikking played my dad in Doogie Howser, M.D., and was one of the kindest, wisest, funniest and most generous people I’ve ever known,” the actor wrote. “A true professional. He treated everyone with respect, taught me countless lessons, yet always had a spark of mischief in his eyes. It was an absolute honor to be his son. My condolences to his actual family for their loss. #RIP”
Sikking’s acting career began with stage work and bit parts in 1950s movies such as Five Guns West and The Revolt of Mamie Stover. His first TV credits included episodes of Perry Mason, Combat!, Rawhide and The Outer Limits.
Sikking guested on myriad TV series through the 1960s and ’70s, before landing the aforementioned role of Lt. Hunter on NBC’s Hill Street Blues, which ran for seven seasons.
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Not long after Hill Street Blues ended, Sikking was cast as Dr. David Howser in ABC’s Doogie Howser, M.D., which starred Neil Patrick Harris in the title role.
Sikking’s many subsequent TV credits also included Brooklyn South, Invasion America, Curb Your Enthusiasm and, most recently, a 2012 episode of The Closer.
Sikking is survived by his wife of 61 years, Florine, their son Andrew, their daughter Emily, and four grandchildren.
