Steven Bochco, Creator of 'Hill Street Blues' and 'L.A. Law', Dies at 74

Writer and producer Steven Bochco died Sunday at his home after a battle with leukemia

The TV world is saying goodbye to one of the industry’s game-changing producers.

Writer and producer Steven Bochco died Sunday at his home after a battle with leukemia, a family spokesman confirmed to multiple outlets including The Hollywood Reporter and CNN. He was 74.

“Steven fought cancer with strength, courage, grace and his unsurpassed sense of humor,” spokesman Phillip Arnold said in a statement to THR. “He died peacefully in his sleep [at home] with his family close by.”

The 10-time primetime Emmy winner created several hit shows including Hill Street Blues, L.A. Law, NYPD Blue, and Doogie Howser, M.D.

Steven Bochco Portrait Session, Santa Monica, USA - 17 Aug 2016
Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP/REX/Shutterstock

Celebrities such as Goldie Hawn and Judd Apatow shared their condolences on social media.

N Y P D BLUE
Timothy White/ABC via Getty Images

“My heart breaks tonight hearing of Steven Bochco’s passing,” Hawn tweeted. “He was an exceptional human being. A great friend, father and partner. We will all miss him terribly. RIP dear one.”

Apatow added, “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.”

Cast members from Bochco’s shows also shared their fond memories of the legendary producer.

“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,” NYPD Blue star Sharon Lawrence tweeted. “Thank you and rest well Steven Bochco. You were one of a kind.”

L.A. Law star Blair Underwood said, “VERY SAD to hear that Steven Bochco passed away on Sunday. Steven hired me on LA LAW and changed the trajectory of my life and career. There are opportunities available to me today because he took a chance on a kid like me, long ago. I’ll forever be grateful to him. RIP Steven.”

Related Articles