James B. Sikking, the well-known actor noted for his roles in “Hill Street Blues” and “Doogie Howser, M.D.,” passed away at ninety years old. Following issues with dementia, Sikking’s agent, Cynthia Snyder, said he died calmly at his Los Angeles home, surrounded by his family.Six decades of a career defined by an expressive face and remarkable performance quality defined Sikking. He gained much respect with his performance as Lt. Howard Hunter, the strict Emergency Action Team leader on “Hill Street Blues,” from 1981 until 1987. Sikking also featured the father of prodigy Doogie Howser (Neil Patrick Harris) on “Doogie Howser, M.D.” Both shows were created by Steven Bochco, who passed away in 2018.Born in Los Angeles in 1934, James Barrie Sikking nurtured his passion for performing at UCLA, where he earned a Bachelor of Theatre Arts degree. His military service—especially his time as a drill instructor at Fort Bragg—inspired his portrayal of Lt. Hunter’s austere military look and attitude on “Hill Street Blues.”
Sikking starred in films including “Point Blank” (1967), “Star Trek III: The Search for Spock” (1984), and “The Pelican Brief” (1993), thereby demonstrating his equally flexible nature on film. He also appeared frequently on shows such as “The Fugitive,” “Honey West,” “The Outer Limits,” and “Mannix.”Sikking made a big impact off-screen. He participated extensively in humanitarian events, raising money for cystic fibrosis and the Susan G. Komen Foundation. Under the cheerful moniker “Jim the Reader,” he spent 19 years reading to third-grade students in the SAG Book Pals program.Because of his humanitarian endeavors and dedication to his craft, Sikking was a much-loved figure in the entertainment world. Their children Emily and Andrew, grandchildren Lola, Gemma, Hugh, and Madeline, and his second wife Florine, whom he met at UCLA and married in 1962, survive him.In addition to his significant contributions to television and film, people will remember James B. Sikking for his compassion and commitment to enhancing others’ quality of life.