R.I.P. James B. Sikking: ‘Doogie Howser, M.D.,’ ‘Hill Street Blues’ Star Dead At 90

James B. Sikking , the actor best known for his roles in Hill Street Blues and Doogie Howser, M.D. , has died. He was 90.

Sikking passed away on Saturday (June 13) from complications from dementia, his publicist Cynthia Synder announced in a statement to Variety .

Hollywood Mourns Shannen Doherty: Jason Priestley, Alyssa Milano And Jennie Garth React To ‘Beverly Hills, 90210’ Star’s Death At 53

“In a remarkable career, Sikking’s wonderfully exciting face gave us drama, comedy, tragedy and hilarious farse,” she told the outlet. “His career spanned over six decades in television, film and on stage.”

The actor famously played Sgt. (later promoted to Lt.) Howard Hunter in the Steven Bochco-created NBC police procedural series Hill Street Blues, which aired from 1981 to 1987. The role earned him an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series in 1984.

Despite his character being the show’s comedic relief, Sikking told CNN in 2014 that there was “great depth” to Hunter.

Kelly Ripa Honors The Late And “Courageous” Shannen Doherty On ‘Live’: “A Special Person”

“He was a very lonely guy,” he said. “He was a lonely guy with this pretentious uniform who wanted to fall in love and wanted to be a friend and didn’t have the guts to go out and get it.”

Sikking teamed up with Bocho again to play Dr. David Howser, the father of Doogie Howser ( Neil Patrick Harris ), in all four seasons (1989-1993) of the ABC medical sitcom Doogie Howser, M.D. The duo also worked together on the one-season wonder Brooklyn South, where Sikking once again played a police officer.

CLICK HERE TO GET EMAILS FROM DECIDER

Moreover, Sikking portrayed General Hospital ‘s Dr. James Hobart from 1973 to 1976. He also appeared in episodes of M*A*S*H , Hawaii Five-0 , and Little House on the Prairie .

Aside from his television credits, Sikking starred in movies like Point Blank (1967), Star Trek III: The Search for Spock (1984) and Fever Pitch (2005), starring Drew Barrymore and Jimmy Fallon .

His final on-screen performance was in the Kyra Sedgwick -led police procedural series The Closer in 2012.

Sikking is survived by his wife, son Andrew, daughter Dr. Emily Sikking and four grandchildren.

For more entertainment news and streaming recommendations, visit decider.com