Jon Cypher, the veteran actor best known for his role as Chief of Police Fletcher Daniels on Hill Street Blues, has died at the age of 94.
Cypher died peacefully at his home in Central Point, Oregon, on August 3, with his wife of 40 years, author Carol Rosin, by his side. No cause of death was disclosed.
A Career Spanning More Than Five Decades
Born on January 13, 1932, in New York City, Cypher graduated from Brooklyn College before beginning his acting career in summer theater.
His major television breakthrough came in 1957 when he played Prince Charming opposite Julie Andrews in the first live television production of Cinderella on CBS. The broadcast became a massive success, attracting an estimated 107 million viewers and introducing Cypher to audiences across the country.
A Broadway and Television Veteran
Cypher went on to build an impressive career across television, film and theater.
He appeared in 12 Broadway productions, including The Night of the Iguana, Man of La Mancha and The Great White Hope.
His television credits included popular series such as Bonanza, Mannix, Dynasty, Murder, She Wrote, The Rockford Files, JAG, Walker, Texas Ranger and Law & Order.
He also appeared in several long-running soap operas, including As the World Turns, General Hospital, Knots Landing and Santa Barbara.
However, many viewers will remember him most fondly as Chief Fletcher Daniels on Hill Street Blues.
More Than Just an Actor
Cypher also appeared in films including Valdez Is Coming, Masters of the Universe, Spontaneous Combustion and Strictly Business. He later lent his voice to the animated series Batman Beyond, portraying the villain Spellbinder.
Outside acting, Cypher was an accomplished singer who loved opera and could perform in four languages. He was also a writer, publishing a book of limericks and reflections on life in 2019.
A Peaceful Final Goodbye
Cypher’s final wishes reflected his love of nature. He was scheduled to be buried at the Forest Conservation Burial Ground in Ashland, Oregon, beneath trees in a meadow and wrapped in a natural, biodegradable shroud.
After more than five decades in show business, Jon Cypher leaves behind a remarkable body of work that touched generations of television, Broadway and film audiences.
He was 94.
May Jon Cypher rest in peace.
