Actor James Sikking dies aged 90
Actor James B. Sikking, known best for roles in Hill Street Blues and Doogie Howser, M.D., has died at age 90, a statement has confirmed.
Sikking was born and raised in Los Angeles. He was named after author James Barrie, the creator of Peter Pan. “It seemed a perfect choice,” said Sikking’s publicist Snyder. “There is a bit of Peter Pan in James… his sense of imagination appeared whether playing roles on stage or screen.”
He began acting as he turned 20, but It wasn’t until he was cast in the crime drama Hill Street Blues in 1981 that he truly broke through and became a known face in the world of television. As Howard Hunter, he starred in seven seasons of the show.
Another major cornerstone of his career was the medical drama Doogie Howser. He played Dr. David Howser, the main character’s father, alongside a young Neil Patrick Harris as Doogie Howser. He starred in the show for all four seasons as it helped bring awareness to several illnesses and issues such as AIDs, homophobia, antisemitism and beyond.
Throughout his career, Sikking worked in both TV and film. He starred in projects like Curb Your Enthusiasm, M.A.S.H, Star Trek III: The Search for Spock, Scorpio, Escape from the Planet of the Apes and plenty more. He worked with the stars as he was alongside Frank Sinatra in Von Ryan’s Express and Elvis Presley in Charro!
His career also spanned the world of theatre as he performed in plays like Exit Strategy, The Big Knife, Put Them All Together, Nobody Loves an Albatross and a tour of Neil Simon‘s Plaza Suite.
Sikking died of dementia at his Los Angeles home on Saturday, July 13th, his publicity Cynthia Snyder told Deadline.
“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,” said Snyder in a statement. She added, “His talent, integrity and imagination intrigued and delighted audiences.”
Sikking is survived by his wife, Florine, son Andrew, daughter Dr. Emily Sikking, and four grandchildren. His legacy lives on through his film, TV, and theatrical work.
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