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Actor James Sikking, of Hill Street Blues and Doogie Howser, M.D., Dies at 90

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Actor James Sikking, of Hill Street Blues and Doogie Howser, M.D., Dies at 90

I was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of James Sikking at the age of 90. His versatility as an actor and the richness of his experiences in Hollywood left an indelible mark on television history.

James Sikking, well-known for his roles as a tough police lieutenant in “Hill Street Blues” and as the compassionate father of the title character in “Doogie Howser, M.D.”, passed away at the age of 90.

Cynthia Snyder announced on Sunday evening that Sikking passed away due to complexities arising from his dementia.

Born on March 5, 1934 in Los Angeles as the youngest of five siblings, his acting career began with small, uncredited roles in films like “Five Guns West” directed by Roger Corman and an episode of “Perry Mason.” He also landed guest appearances on numerous popular TV shows from the 1970s such as “Mission: Impossible,” “M.A.S.H,” “The F.B.I,” “The Rockford Files,” “Hawaii Five-O,” and “Charlie’s Angels” to name a few, in addition to shows like “Eight is Enough” and “Little House on the Prairie.”

In 1981, the television series Hill Street Blues made its debut with an innovative approach to the standard police procedural genre. In this show, Sikking portrayed Lt. Howard Hunter, a Vietnam War veteran and the commander of the Emergency Response Unit at an unspecified metropolitan police department.

The renowned series was classified as a drama, yet Sikking’s stiff demeanor and peculiarities frequently brought about comedic moments. Sikking drew inspiration for his acting from a strict drill instructor he encountered during his military service, which disrupted his education at the University of California, Los Angeles, where he earned his degree in 1959.

In an interview with the Fresno Bee in 2014, the drill instructor was described as having steel-grey hair and a uniform so stiff with starch that it seemed certain to stand alone when he took it off in the barracks.

When it first aired during Hollywood’s dual strike, my favorite NBC show received lackluster ratings and minimal excitement. However, despite its initial struggle to gain an audience, the network continued to broadcast it: “Suddenly, this term ‘demographic’ entered our conversation,” I recalled telling the Star Tribune in 2014. “We were connecting with individuals who possessed a certain level of education and income. They labeled it the ‘Esquire demographic.'”

I followed the show diligently until its finale in 1987, but for a while it seemed uncertain if it would last that long. In December 1983, an episode left me on the edge of my seat as my character considered taking his own life, creating quite a stir and reminding many of the “Who shot J.R.?” cliffhanger from Dallas. However, unlike that infamous mystery, the suspense was short-lived – unintentionally so, it turned out – as TV guides inadvertently revealed that my character had been rescued.

“I recall an incident where Howard attempted suicide. My brother phoned me, inquiring, ‘Do you still have a job?’ I replied affirmatively, to which he responded with relief and ended the call.” (Source: Fresno Bee)

In 1984, Sikking received an Emmy nomination for his exceptional supporting acting performance on “Hill Street Blues.” For Sikking, the appearance and structure of this groundbreaking show were novel – just as for many viewers. The grungy set design and intricate storylines kept actors busy even when they weren’t speaking lines during a scene.

In an interview with Parade.com back in 2014, he shared that creating the product was a significant effort, yet everyone appreciated it, as evidently seen. When those who are deeply invested in the process – be it production or manufacture – take pleasure in their work, the outcome is bound to be excellent. He added that each episode featured three distinct storylines, making it essential for audiences to stay engaged and focus on every detail.

In addition to appearing in “Hill Street Blues,” Sikking portrayed Captain Styles in “Star Trek III: The Search for Spock,” released in 1984. Initially unenthusiastic about the part, he was enticed by the belief that filming would only require a single day of his time.

In his interview with startrek.com in 2014, Sikking shared that Star Trek wasn’t his preferred genre due to his arrogant perspective during that period. He favored real theater and serious shows over imaginary depictions of outer space. However, he admitted to holding a foolish bias against it, despite having signed more Star Trek projects than any other roles in his career.

After “Hill Street Blues” ended, he appeared in approximately 100 episodes of “Dougie Howser, M.D.” This brought him back together with Steven Bochco, who co-created both “Hill Street Blues” and the television series that featured Neil Patrick Harris in the lead role.

Actor James Sikking, of Hill Street Blues and Doogie Howser, M.D., Dies at 90

He married Florine Caplan, with whom he had two children and four grandchildren.

By the time the “Hill Street Blues” box set was released, Sikking had largely retired from acting. In the new millennium, he appeared in fewer roles but left a lasting impact, featuring in “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” the romantic comedies “Fever Pitch” and “Made of Honor.” His final appearances were on an episode of “The Closer” in 2012 and in the film “Just an American” that same year.

Sikking consistently took part in charitable activities. He was a frequent attendee at celebrity golf tournaments and had the honor of attending the grand opening of a health center in a small Iowa town with a population of 7,200. During his speech to the crowd of around one hundred people, he jokingly remarked, ” frankly, I came here for something I can’t see – air that I can’t breathe. Back where we come from, if it isn’t brown, we don’t know how to handle it.” (Associated Press, 1982)

He shared with startrek.com in 2014 that he might take action if it excited him. Acting offers an opportunity for introspection and self-exploration. It’s quite appealing to be an actor and indulge in a healthy dose of ego satisfaction. In the past few years when I haven’t been working, the anonymity has held its allure.

“The condiment of my life is good fortune,” he finished.

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2024-07-17 12:59

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