RIP, Steven Bochco: Hollywood Mourns Creator of 'Hill Street Blues,' 'NYPD Blue'
Legendary TV writer/producer Steven Bochco died Sunday morning after battling leukemia. He was 74.
"Steven fought cancer with strength, courage, grace and his unsurpassed sense of humor," spokesman Phillip Arnold said (via THR). "He died peacefully in his sleep [at home] with his family close by."
The 10-time Emmy winner was behind the iconic TV series "Hill Street Blues," "L.A. Law," "NYPD Blue," and even Neil Patrick Harris' "Doogie Howser, M.D," and the TNT drama "Murder in the First."
Steven Spielberg was one of the many stars to reach out with memories and condolences after Bochco's death (via Deadline):
"Steve was a friend and a colleague starting with the first episode of 'Columbo' in 1971 that he wrote and I directed. We have supported and inspired each other ever since and through many deep mutual friendships we have stayed connected for 47 years. I will miss Steve terribly."
More tributes poured in on Sunday:
I'm terribly saddened by the news that Steven Bochco passed away yesterday. He was a true game changer in television. His work ethic shaped mine, his words of wisdom stick with me to this day. I'm so proud of Doogie Howser, mostly for being a Bochco show. #quality#mentor#RIP
— Neil Patrick Harris (@ActuallyNPH) April 2, 2018
I will be forever grateful to Steven Bochco for the key to the lock that opened the door to a career. At the same time he taught me more about our humanity; our faults and strengths, how they survive side by side, despite our human insistence on seeing them as opposing forces.
— Corbin Bernsen (@corbinbernsen) April 2, 2018
Steven Bochco sat with Jake Kasdan and myself before we started Freaks and Geeks and let us grill him for advice. We used all of it. He was a great man and will forever be an inspiration. https://t.co/IWT2Zfr3Nf
— Judd Apatow (@JuddApatow) April 2, 2018
As a kid, "Hill Street Blues" and "L.A. Law" were rituals in my house. All of us who grew up watching great TV and have benefited from the ground he broke owe pioneer Steven Bochco a debt of gratitude. RIP
— Beau Willimon (@BeauWillimon) April 2, 2018
So sad to hear of Steven Bochco's passing. He was a pioneer, a gentleman, and gave me my first job in prime time tv. Rest well, sir. You will be missed. #RIP
— Debra Messing (@DebraMessing) April 2, 2018
I was 28, married, & the father of a baby boy when the creator of 'Hill St. Blues' came to NYC to cast a show about minor league baseball. Steven Bochco gave me my first break on 'Bay City Blues' and brought me to Hollywood. I'm eternally grateful to him for my career. RIP boss.
— Ken Olin (@kenolin1) April 2, 2018
Just heard Legendary tv producer Steven Bochco passed away. His groundbreaking storytelling was a big influence on me pursuing a career as a professional actor. Was blessed to get to direct one of his shows and tell him in person. RIP Mr. Television
— Eriq La Salle (@EriqLaSalle23) April 2, 2018
Steven Bochco: Today, our industry lost a visionary, a creative force, a risk taker, a witty, urbane story teller with an uncanny ability to know what the world wanted. We were long-term colleagues, and longer term friends., and I am deeply saddened.
— Robert Iger (@RobertIger) April 2, 2018
It was his vision, style, taste and tenacity that made me love watching TV. It was being on #NYPDBlue that made me love working on TV. Thank you and rest well Steven Bochco. You were one of a kind. https://t.co/jTqhyAuO0k
— Sharon Lawrence (@sharonlawrence) April 2, 2018
Every episode of Hill Street Blues pushed what was possible on TV. It was a perfect show that broke my heart countless times. I am forever in Steven Bochco's debt.
— Glen Mazzara (@glenmazzara) April 2, 2018
Absolutely one of the biggest influences on Buffy (and me) was HILL STREET BLUES. Complex,unpredictable and unfailingly humane. Steven Bochco changed television, more than once. He's a legend. All love to his family, R.I.P., and thank you.#LetsBeSafeOutThere
— Joss Whedon (@joss) April 2, 2018
This makes me so sad! He was such a class act and a great boss & friend rip https://t.co/Dq7PZSvKiR
— Garcelle Beauvais (@GarcelleB) April 2, 2018
Steven Bochco was a constant inspiration. As a @CarnegieMellon alum, producer, writer and person. Always kind. My condolences to his family, especially our #aos pal, Jesse. ???????? https://t.co/t1YMEDmJzJ
— Ming-Na Wen (@MingNa) April 2, 2018
Steven Bochco Dies at 74 https://t.co/4L1lFXhIJF via @thr This man meant the world to me. Mentor is not a strong enough word. Nor is friend. He taught me so much about the business, and life, and always had my back. I'm so sad.
— Reginald Hudlin (@reghud) April 2, 2018
He was a giant. May he rest in peace.
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