Jon Cypher, a veteran actor known for his roles in Hill Street Blues and Cinderella, has passed away at the age of 94. He died on August 3 at his home in Central Point, Oregon, his family announced.
A Life in Hollywood
Jon Cypher's career spanned over seven decades, with a wide range of iconic roles in film, television, and theater. Born in New York on January 13, 1932, Cypher attended Erasmus Hall High School and then Brooklyn College, graduating in 1953. He began his acting career in summer stock productions for the Elitch Theatre in Denver in 1956.
A Career of Versatility
Cypher's early success came when he was cast as Prince Charming opposite Julie Andrews in the first live TV production of Cinderella in 1957. The lavish production attracted over 107 million viewers, with more than 60 percent of U.S. households tuning in. This was followed by his Broadway debut in 1958 in Harvey Breit's The Disenchanted, and later he understudied for and then replaced Patrick O'Neal as the Rev. T. Lawrence Shannon in the original production of Tennessee Williams' The Night of the Iguana in 1961.
Cypher's versatility as an actor was showcased in his numerous roles on television. He played Chief of Police Fletcher Daniels on all seven seasons of Hill Street Blues, frequently clashing with Captain Frank Furillo. He also recurred as the record producer Jeff Munson on CBS' Knots Landing in 1982-83 and the less-than-honorable lawyer Dirk Maurier on ABC's Dynasty from 1983-87.
A Legacy of Comedy and Drama
Cypher demonstrated his flair for broad comedy when he portrayed Brigadier Gen. Marcus Craig on 69 episodes over the last three seasons (1990-93) of the CBS sitcom Major Dad, starring Gerald McRaney. He also voiced the villain Spellbinder for Batman Beyond and showed up in primetime on Nanny and the Professor, The Doris Day Show, Mannix, Bonanza, McMillan & Wife, The F.B.I., Bronk, The Rockford Files, Police Woman, Hunter, JAG, and Law & Order, among many other shows.
Cypher's ability to play both comedy and drama was evident in his numerous stage productions. He played Don Quixote in Man of La Mancha, several characters in The Great White Hope, and Thomas Jefferson in 1776. He sang opera in four languages, his family said, and "was known to burst out in song, bringing joy to every event."
A Final Farewell
Jon Cypher will be buried on Tuesday at the Forest Conservation Burial Ground in Ashland, Oregon, "under tall trees in a meadow, wrapped in a completely natural, biodegradable shroud, obliging his wish to return to nature." His family noted that he was "outspoken in support for recognition of truth regarding non-threatening extra-terrestrials and their crafts." Cypher wrote a book of limericks, If You're Not Depressed You Oughta Be in Therapy, published in 2019.
In a 2014 interview, Cypher noted that acting is "not an easy profession. You're always being judged, by critics, by the audience." He advised young actors to "gird your loins very sturdily and have a sharp sword," as they would need to pick themselves up many times throughout their careers.
Source: Hollywood Reporter