James Sikking, known for his roles as Lieutenant Howard Hunter on “Hill Street Blues” and as Dr. David Howser on “Doogie Howser, M.D.,” passed away at 90 from complications related to dementia, his publicist Cynthia Snyder confirmed.
Sikking, born March 5, 1934, in Los Angeles, began his acting career with small roles, including appearances on “Mission: Impossible,” “MAS*H,” “The Rockford Files,” and “Hawaii Five-O.” His breakthrough came in 1981 with “Hill Street Blues,” where he portrayed a disciplined Vietnam War veteran leading the Emergency Action Team. The show ran until 1987 and earned him an Emmy nomination in 1984.
In 1989, Sikking joined “Doogie Howser, M.D.” as the father of the titular character, played by Neil Patrick Harris. The series, created by Steven Bochco, ran for four seasons until 1993. Harris recently paid tribute to Sikking on Instagram, praising him as “one of the kindest, wisest, funniest, and most generous people” he had known.
Sikking also appeared in films like “Star Trek III: The Search for Spock,” “The Pelican Brief,” and “Made of Honor.” He continued to work in television and movies into the 2000s, with roles in “Curb Your Enthusiasm” and “The Closer.”
Sikking is survived by his wife, Florine Caplan, their two children, and four grandchildren. His contributions to television and film, marked by his distinctive characters and dedicated performances, leave a lasting legacy.
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