The actor James B. Sikking, who starred in television series like Doogie Howser, M.D. and Hill Street Blues, has passed away. He was ninety years old. Sikking passed away on Saturday from dementia at his Los Angeles residence. According to his publicist Cynthia Snyder, the actor was surrounded by family members when he passed away.
Sikking’s incredibly intriguing face provided us with humor, sorrow, drama, and hilarious farse throughout his incredible career. In a statement, Snyder stated, “His career spanned over six decades in television, film, and on stage. His talent, integrity, and imagination intrigued and delighted audiences.”
Sikking was most recognized for his roles as Dr. David Howser on Doogie Howser, M.D. and Lt. Howard Hunter on Hill Street Blues. He also had appearances on shows including Starsky & Hutch, Bonanza, Rawhide, The Rockford Files, Brooklyn South, Turnabout, General Hospital and Curb Your Enthusiasm.
On the big screen, Sikking acted in movies such as Ordinary People (1960), Scorpio (1973), Star Trek III: The Search for Spock (1984), The Pelican Brief (1993), Fever Pitch (2005), and Made of Honor (2008) alongside Frank Sinatra in Von Ryan’s Express (1965) and Elvis Presley in Charro! (1969).
Sikking has performed on stage in a number of plays, including Neil Simon’s Plaza Suite, Exit Strategy, The Big Knife, Put Them All Together, and Nobody Loves an Albatross. Sikking was named after novelist James Barrie and was born in Los Angeles on March 5, 1934. It seemed like the right decision, Snyder said. “James reminds me a little bit of Peter Pan… his imaginative streak came through whether he was acting on stage or screen.”
He served in the military and attended UCLA to study drama, where he also met his wife Florine Caplan. Wife Florine, son Andrew, daughter Dr. Emily Sikking, and four grandchildren survive Sikking.