Detective Frank Furillo, the captain of Hill Street Station, was portrayed by Daniel J. Travanti as the show’s primary character. Travanti was born to Italian immigrants in Wisconsin, therefore he had a rough upbringing. He began performing in 1964, first taking on minor roles. Since Travanti struggled with alcoholism and his fictional character Detective Furillo likewise had drinking problems, his art reflected his personal struggles. With regard to his performance on Hill Street Blues, Travanti received five Emmy nominations and two victories.
Since finishing the Hill Street Blues series, Daniel J. Travanti has had quite the career. His performance in the television film Adam led to his sixth Emmy nomination. He has acted in two off-Broadway productions, The Last Word by Oren Safdie and A Touch of the Poet by Eugene O’Neil. He appeared on Criminal Minds as a guest star as an Alzheimer’s-affected serial murderer, and most recently, he gained notoriety once more for his portrayal of Callen’s father on NCIS: Los Angeles.
Michael Warren – Then
Officer Bobby Hill, played by Michael Warren, appeared in 146 episodes of Hill Street Blues. Prior to being well-known in show industry, Warren was a star basketball player at UCLA.
The stereotyped redneck cop, “Cowboy,” and the African-American actor were partnered together, and the conflicts between them served as the basis for numerous episode plots. For his work on the program, Michael Warren was nominated for an Emmy in 1982 for Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series, although he did not take home the trophy.
Michael Warren – Now
After Hill Street Blues ended, Michael Warren went on to achieve greater and better things. Warren had a number of modest roles, including cameo appearances as Khadjiah’s father in Living Single and on a Buffy the Vampire Slayer episode.
Due to his prowess as a college basketball player, the multi-talented man was inducted into both the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame and the UCLA Athletic Hall of Fame. Fun fact: His son Cash Warren is wed to billionaire health industry heiress Jessica Alba.
Jeffrey Tambor – Then
On the show, Jeffrey Tambor portrayed the eccentric Judge Alan Wachtel, who was shown in a famous moment smoking a pipe and dressing as a woman while trying a case. He first appeared on the program as a shady, unethical lawyer, but due to politics, he was assigned to the bench.
Prior to playing Judge Wachtel, Tambor appeared in supporting roles in Taxi, Starsky & Hutch, and Kojak, but it was his twenty appearances on Hill Street Blues that really cemented his reputation.
Jeffrey Tambor – Now
After leaving Hill Street Blues, Jeffrey Tambor rose to fame in Hollywood. His performance in Arrested Development earned him a nomination for a sixth Emmy. He has cameos on multiple episodes of Entourage and appeared in the blockbusters The Hangover and Monsters vs. Aliens.
He wrote an autobiography titled Are You Anybody? in addition to acting. In Memoriam. He has recently received criticism for alleged inappropriate behavior and been fired from the series Transparent.
Joe Spano – Then
Joe Spano had his acting debut in 1968’s Romeo and Juliet, thus he was well-known before joining the Hill Street Blues company. He participated in the founding of the Berkley Repertory Theater and performed there for ten years before relocating to Los Angeles, where he starred in American Graffiti and The Enforcer as a guest actor.
He portrayed Officer Henry Goldblume on Hill Street Blues, a skilled street gang expert and hostage negotiator who was sensitive to and sympathetic toward crime victims.
Joe Spano – Now
Joe Spano never left the small screen once Hill Street Blues ended. He has been seen in the hit NYPD Blue and Murder One police dramas. Additionally, he appeared in a few guest star roles on Amazing Grace and The X Files.
Even 30 years after making an appearance on Hill Street Blues, he received an Emmy nomination for Best Guest Actor and has a recurrent role on NCIS. He works extensively as a theatrical performer.
Megan Gallagher – Then
On Hill Street Blues, Megan Gallagher played a tough-talking blonde bombshell, although she had played several characters before Officer Tina Russo. Born to a mother who had been an actor when she was young and has been one since she was five.
Megan put so much passion into her work that she even opted out of the prom at her senior high school in favor of attending rehearsals for a nearby theatrical performance. She received instruction from the renowned John Houseman while studying acting at the famed Julliard School.
Megan Gallagher – Now
Megan Gallagher didn’t lose her fame after Hill Street Blues. In the Broadway production of Angels in America, she made an appearance on stage. She appeared on China Beach and LA Law repeatedly.
On the television program Millenium, Megan portrayed Catherine Black, a role created especially for her by the show’s creator Chris Carter, a fan of her writing. Additionally, she played a prominent part in the courtroom show Suits, whose star, Meghan Markle, is now engaged to Prince Harry.
James B. Sikking – Then
On Hill Street Blues, Los Angeles-born actor James B. Sikking portrayed Lieutenant Howard Hunter, a tough cop who was constantly ready for a fight and one of the show’s most memorable characters.
The Emergency Action Team (EAT) Squad, which is comparable to a SWAT team in the modern era, was led by Lieutenant Hunter. James B. Sikking has made movie appearances as early as 1955 before his part on Hill Street Blues. He made appearances on episodes of Perry Mason and Bonanza before Hill Street Blues.
James B. Sikking – Now
After his tenure on Hill Street Blues, James B. Sikking continued to be a television celebrity. He voiced a significant role in the animated series Invasion America and portrayed Captain Stan Jonas in the drama Brooklyn South.
He played Dr. David Howser, the father of the main character on Doogie Howser, M.D. James B. Sikking owes his career to Hill Street Blues creator Steven Bochco, who also produced Brooklyn South and Doogie Howser, M.D.
Jon Cypher – Then
The conceited and self-righteous Chief of Police Fletcher P. Daniels, portrayed by Jon Cypher, was the most annoying character in Hill Street Blues. Chief Daniels was renowned for routinely disobeying Detective Furillo’s crucial advice, which invariably resulted in catastrophe.
Before appearing on Hill Street Blues, Jon played a variety of other roles. He played Prince Charming opposite Julie Andrews in the original Cinderella. Jon obtained a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy before his acting career took off.
Jon Cypher – Now
Jon Cypher went on to star in the highly successful TV series Dynasty and Knot’s Landing after Hill Street Blues. He is no longer an actor and prefers to live quietly with Carol, his second wife.
Because of a terrible fall, he had during a dress rehearsal for a production of Oliver, he uses a cane to walk. Cypher recently responded that “poverty” was the driving force behind his 47-year career when a reporter questioned him about it.
Dennis Franz – Then
On Hill Street Blues, Dennis Franz had the distinct honor of portraying two different personas. He debuted in Midtown Vice as the dishonest Detective Sal Benedetto. For three seasons, Dennis wasn’t seen on Hill Street Blues after Detective Benedetto committed suicide.
But because the audience adored Dennis so much, he was re-written into the show as Lt. Norman “Guido” Buntz, an officer who likes to take the simple route. Internal affairs frequently looked into Detective Buntz’s activities.
Dennis Franz – Now
Dennis Franz has been cast as a police officer nearly exclusively throughout his acting career, which suggests that he was destined to play cops. Despite all of his accomplishments, Dennis has chosen to step away from the spotlight and has not appeared on screen since 2005.
He received four Emmy Awards for his portrayal of Officer Andy Simowicz on NYPD Blue, which, according to Dennis, was his 28th appearance as a police officer. At the 2016 Emmy Awards, he did make a rare public appearance, which delighted his followers.
Charles Haid – Then
Hill Street Blues’ network bosses were initially only interested in casting Charles Haid for one episode, but after seeing how well he performed, they pushed on having him become a regular character. In his role as Officer Andy Renko, he portrayed a stereotypical redneck who enjoyed country music and had conflicts with his African-American partner, Officer Bobby Hill.
But beneath Renko’s rough demeanor was a sensitive and caring man, who could be surprisingly vulnerable in unexpected circumstances. When he was angry, Renko yelled, “Lordy, Bobby Hill.”
Charles Haid – Now
The actor said, “What I really want to do is direct,” yet Charles Haid has really done it. Charles is now a prominent Hollywood director. He directed numerous episodes of the popular television programs Nip/Tuck, Sons of Anarchy, and Breaking Bad.
He won a Director’s Guild Award for directing an episode of ER. In addition to directing Criminal Minds, Haid also plays the serial killer Randall Garner on a regular basis. Talk about a powerful player in Hollywood with many talents!
Jennifer Tilly – Then
On Hill Street Blues, Jennifer Tilly portrayed one of the most notable supporting roles. The exotic beauty was born in California and is of mixed Chinese and European ancestry. She was renowned for her unique, seductive voice. She played Gina Srignoli, a mobster’s widow who had a sexual relationship with Detective Goldblume.
She left investigator Goldblume millions in her will after she passed away, making him immediately affluent. She was a minor character on the show, but she stood out for being so memorable.
Jennifer Tilly – Now
After Hill Street Blues, Jennifer Tilly enjoyed a prosperous Hollywood career. For her work in Bullets Over Broadway, she was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress.
Her distinctive voice served her well as she frequently provided the voice of Bonnie Swanson in Family Guy as well as characters in Stuart Little and Monsters Inc., Jennifer, who took first place in the third World Poker Tour Ladies Invitational Tournament, is a skilled professional poker player. Her wins from the live competition total more than $990,000!
Barbara Bosson – Then
As Fay Furillo, the ex-wife of detective Frank Furillo, Barbara Bosson gained notoriety. They spoke frequently because Fay was his son’s mother, and it was obvious that she still had feelings for her ex-husband.
She was quite reliant on him and constantly hoped that they would reconcile. Fay used to say to her ex-boyfriend to start talks. Hello, Buster! Barbara Bosson and Steven Bochco, the writer of Hill Street Blues, were a happy couple in real life.
Barbara Bosson – Now
Following the cancellation of Hill Street Blues, Barbara Bosson continued her career. On Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Barbara had a cameo appearance. Being married to business insider Steven Bochco was advantageous to her.
She appeared in a number of episodes that her husband produced, such as Cop Rock, Hill Street Blues, LA Law, and Murder One. She was nominated for an Emmy for her work as prosecutor Miriam Grusso. Jesse and Melissa were the couple’s two children, but regrettably, they separated in 1997 after 27 years of marriage.
Mimi Kuyzk – Then
Hill Street Blues featured Mimi Kuzyk in more than 25 episodes, portraying the stunning Detective Patricia Mayo. Harry Garibaldi’s girlfriend, Detective Mayo, was the target of Chief Daniels’ fruitless pursuit. Mimi was a talented dancer before she became a well-known actress.
She danced for 12 years with the Rusalka Ukrainian dance group of Winnipeg and studied jazz dance at the famed Royal Winnipeg Ballet School. Mimi was born to Ukrainian immigrants in Winnipeg, Canada.
Mimi Kuzyk – Now
After her successful run on Hill Street Blues, Mimi kept acting, but she never again had a recurring role. Popular TV shows like LA Law, The Love Boat, Remington Steel, Doogie Howser, M.D., and Murder, She Wrote all featured her as a guest star.
She was nominated for a Genie Award for her performance in the Canadian television series Lost and Delirious. Mimi has a daughter with her husband, a Greek immigrant carpenter, whom she has been married to since 1996.
Betty Thomas – Then
On Hill Street Blues, Betty Thomas portrayed the tough Detective Lucille Bates. Her character was constantly defending herself because she didn’t want to be seen as a weak woman and wanted to show that she was just as tough as the guys.
Detective Bates progressed from a rookie officer to a lieutenant by the end of the series. During her tenure on the program, Betty received seven Emmy Award nominations and one prized trophy for Best Supporting Actress.
Betty Thomas – Now
Betty Thomas spent more of her post-Hill Street Blues work in the background than in front of the camera. Doogie Howser, M.D.’s debut episodes were directed by her. plus Hooperman. She won the Best Director Emmy for her efforts directing HBO’s Dream On.
The Brady Bunch Movie, which became a movie office sensation, was Betty’s best achievement. She then made Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel, one of the highest-grossing female-directed movies to date.
Taurean Blacque – Then
Tauren Blacque, a gifted actor who goes as Hebert Middleton Jr., had classical training at the New Federal Theater in New York City. OHe made guest appearances on hit shows like Sanford and Son, What’s Happening?!!, Good Times, and Taxi, before joining the cast of Hill Street Blues in 1981.
In 1982, He received an Emmy nomination in 1982 for Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series. Until the show’s finale in 1987, he played undercover cop Detective Neal Washington.
Taurean Blacque – Now
Taurean Blacque’s career hardly took off after Hill Street Blues. Despite regularly working as an actor, he never achieved stardom. He had some important film and stage appearances, including Oliver & Company and Ceremonies in Dark Old Men.
Taurean, a born-again Christian, relocated to Atlanta to provide his adoptive children a more family-friendly environment. He has said that his reason for helping orphans is his faith.
Robert Clohessy – Then
Prior to playing Officer Patrick Flaherty on the television series Hill Street Blues, Robert Clohessy led an unusual life. The New York-born son of a police officer was a skilled street fighter who eventually turned his aggression into a fight in the 1975 Madison Square Garden Golden Gloves boxing match.
Officer Flaherty, a character that was added to the show after another one was killed off, was a late addition. After Sargeant Lucille Bates’ previous companion Joe passed away, he became her new partner.
Robert Clohessy – Now
Robert continued to portray police officers and other legal officials after Hill Street Blues. In Ohara, he played Lieutenant George Shaver. His most well-known performance, though, was as Correctional Officer Sean Murphy in Oz, a popular HBO prison drama.
He most recently received a Screen Actors Guild Award for Boardwalk Empire’s Best Ensemble Cast. He made a brief appearance in The Avengers in 2012. In addition to these prominent roles, he had brief cameos in the soap opera All My Children.
Ed Marinaro – Then
Before entering the entertainment industry and joining the cast of Hill Street Blues, Ed Marinaro achieved significant sports accomplishments. He participated in collegiate football at Cornell University, where he finished 1971 as the Heisman Trophy’s runner-up.
He was named UPI’s College Football Player of the Year and received the Maxwell Award. He spent six seasons as a professional football player with the Seattle Seahawks, Minnesota Vikings, and New York Jets. Before becoming an actor, he also participated in the Super Bowls in 1974 and 1975!
Ed Marinaro – Now
Ed Marinaro continued acting after Hill Street Blues, but he is better known for his football career than his Hollywood accomplishment. In 1991, he was inducted into the Football Hall of Fame thanks to his athletic prowess. In the television film Amy Fisher: My Story, Ed played Joey Buttafuoco, the title character.
Additionally, he appeared as a guest star on the popular TV programs Dynasty, Monk, and Falcon Crest. In 2001, he wed Tracy York, a trainer. Eddie, the couple’s only child, is born.
Veronica Hamel – Then
On the show, Veronica Hamel portrayed Joyce Davenport, Detective Frank Furillo’s love interest.
During her stint in the role, she was nominated for five Emmy awards.
Veronica Hamel – Now
The stunning brunette has been keeping a quiet profile since leaving Hill Street Blues. She reappeared in 2002 as a guest star on Steven Bochco’s legal drama Philly, a spinoff of Hill Street Blues. The mother of the main character Jack, Margo Shepherd, was portrayed by Veronica in the ABC television series Lost.
Veronica had a recurring role on NBC’s Third Watch, but overall it seems that she tries to maintain a low profile and avoid attracting attention.