(NationalUSNews.com) — James B. Sikking, an actor with a decades-long career in television, has died at the age of 90. According to a spokesperson for the Sikking family, Sikking’s death came after a lengthy battle with dementia and complications from various health issues.
Sikking’s death prompted renewed attention on shows like “Doogie Howser, M.D.” and “Hill Street Blues,” where Sikking played iconic characters and became a household name. Sikking famously portrayed Lieutenant Howard Hunter on “Hill Street Blues,” which saw him act as a strict leader with a soft side. Sikking’s portrayal of Hunter helped “Hill Street Blues” secure 26 Emmy nominations, the most of any television drama except for “The West Wing.”
While many remember Sikking as a no-nonsense police lieutenant, others remember him for his various roles in portraying lawyers, doctors, and other dignified characters. Sikking famously used his clean-cut appearance and distinctive speech mannerisms to bring multiple characters to life, including characters he based on people from the real world. Sikking used his real-life experiences to help bring certain roles to life, including characters inspired by Sikking’s time in the United States Army. Sikking also held a prominent role on the popular show “Doogie Howser, M.D.,” starring alongside a young Neil Patrick Harris.
Sikking was born in 1934 in Los Angeles and lived in the city for most of his life. The aspiring actor went to the University of California in Los Angeles in 1959, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in theater, but his degree required two delays while he served in the Army on multiple occasions. During his time in the Army, Sikking met his wife, Florine Caplan, and proposed to her in 1962. The two remained married for the rest of the late actor’s life. Once Sikking graduated from college, he began pursuing an acting career in Los Angeles, landing his first significant role in 1971, when he played Jim Hobart on the ABC soap opera General Hospital.
Although many remember Sikking for his iconic television roles, the actor also appeared in several movies over his decades-long career. Sikking starred alongside other celebrities like Jimmy Fallon and Drew Barrymore throughout his film appearances, and he even once worked with Elvis Presley during the late 1960s. Sikking’s death has prompted several celebrities to share their grief regarding the once-iconic actor, with many claiming that Sikking’s various roles inspired them to pursue their acting career.
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