James B. Sikking, known for his Emmy-nominated role as Lt. Howard Hunter on Hill Street Blues, passed away at the age of 90 at his Los Angeles home due to complications from dementia. His performance on the show left a lasting impact on television.
“In a remarkable career, Sikking’s wonderfully exciting face gave us drama, comedy, tragedy and hilarious farse.
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.”
James B. Sikking, born on March 5, 1934, in Los Angeles, had a prolific television career. He appeared in numerous TV dramas such as Perry Mason, Combat!, Rawhide, The Outer Limits, and The Fugitive, as well as sitcoms like My Favorite Martian, My Mother the Car, Gomer Pyle, USMC, and Hogan’s Heroes.
From 1965 to 1974, he had recurring roles in 11 episodes of The F.B.I. He continued to make appearances in various TV series until his prominent role on Hill Street Blues in 1981.
In 1989, two years after Hill Street Blues ended, James B. Sikking began his four-season role as David Howser, the father of Neil Patrick Harris’s character, Dr. Doogie Howser, in the medical-themed comedy-drama Doogie Howser, M.D.
In 1997, James B. Sikking co-starred in the one-season CBS crime drama Brooklyn South. His film roles included appearances in Von Ryan’s Express (1965), Charro! (1969) alongside Elvis Presley, Scorpio (1973), Star Trek III: The Search for Spock (1984), The Pelican Brief (1993), and Made of Honor (2008).
Sikking is survived by his wife of 61 years, Florine, their son Andrew, their daughter Emily, and four grandchildren.
