Steven Bochco, Creator Of ‘Hill Street Blues’ And ‘LA Law,’ Dies At 74
Image by Getty Images
(JTA) — Steven Bochco, the television writer and producer who was responsible for iconic series such as “Hill Street Blues,” “NYPD Blue,” and “LA Law,” has died.
Bochco died on Sunday at his home at the age of 74. He suffered with leukemia for several years and had received a stem cell transplant from an anonymous donor in 2014, according to the Hollywood Reporter.
Bochco, who won 10 Emmy and 4 Peabody Awards, also created the popular series “Doogie Howser, M.D,” starring Neil Patrick Harris.
He was born in New York to Rudolph, a violinist, and Mimi, a painter and jewelry designer. He attended the High School of Music and Art in Manhattan, where he sang, and graduated from Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburg in 1966 with a theater degree.
He had his first job at Universal after college and worked on “Columbo” for a few seasons. The first episode he wrote was directed by Steven Spielberg and with that came the first of 34 Emmy nominations, according to the Hollywood Reporter. He stayed at Universal for 12 years.
“I will miss Steve terribly,” Spielberg said in a statement.
I’m personally matching all gifts to the Forward, up to $36,000. Can I match your gift now?
Hello, fellow Forward reader! I’m Joel Brown, a Forward reader and supporter for more than 15 years, and currently the chair of the board of directors.
I’m an avid Forward reader because it ticks so many of my essential boxes: excellent journalism, Jewish focus and diverse viewpoints. In today’s political climate, what I most appreciate is the Forward’s independence — made possible by the generosity of its membership.
The Forward is committed to bringing you unbiased, nuanced Jewish news. From my position as board chair, I see an exciting future as we expand our position as the definitive independent voice of contemporary American Judaism.
— Joel Brown, Forward board chair
Support our mission to tell the Jewish story fully and fairly.
