James B. Sikking ‘Hill Street Blues’ and ‘Doogie Howser, M.D.’ actor dies at 90

James B. Sikking, known for his expressive face, had a career that spanned six decades.

James B. Sikking has passed away at the age of 90, as confirmed by PEOPLE.

His publicist, Cynthia Synder, stated that the Hill Street Blues actor died "peacefully at his Los Angeles home surrounded by family." Dementia was the cause of death.

Sikking, known for his expressive face, had a career that spanned six decades. He was best known for his role as Lt. Howard Hunter, the leader of the precinct's Emergency Action Team, on Hill Street Blues from 1981 to 1987. The Emmy-nominated actor also played Dr. David Howser, the father of the boy genius Doogie (played by Neil Patrick Harris), on Doogie Howser, M.D.

Both shows were created by Steve Bochco, who passed away in 2018.

James Barrie Sikking was born in Los Angeles in 1934. He attended El Segundo High School and earned a Bachelor's degree in Theatre Arts from UCLA, where he discovered his passion for acting.

While in college, Sikking spent time in the Army, and his drill instructor during basic training ultimately inspired his portrayal of his character in Hill Street Blues.

“The drill instructor looked like he had steel for hair, and his uniform had so much starch in it, you knew it would sit in the corner when he took it off in the barracks,” he told The Seattle Times in 2014. “So when I started to play Howard, I picked out the way he should be dressed. It had to be a very military look. He had to have those jump boots."

He added, “When people asked me where I got the idea for his look, I told them it was the same look I had in the Army.”