Stars and fellow Hollywood creators paid tribute to Steven Bochco, the 10-time Emmy-winning writer and producer of TV hits like “NYPD Blue” and “Hill Street Blues.”
“It was his vision, style, taste and tenacity that made me love watching TV,” former “NYPD Blue” star Sharon Lawrence tweeted on Sunday after news of his death at age 74 emerged. “You were one of a kind.”
“L.A. Law” actor Corbin Bernsen wrote, “I will be forever grateful to Steven Bochco for the key to the lock that opened the door to a career.”
Steven Spielberg, who directed a 1971 episode of “Columbo” that Bochco wrote, offered this statement about his “friend and colleague”: “We have supported and inspired each other ever since and through many deep mutual friendships we have stayed connected for 47 years. I will miss Steve terribly.”
Bochco won 10 Emmys in his storied career writing and producing such innovative TV dramas as “Hill Street Blues” and “L.A. Law.” His credits also include Neil Patrick Harris’ breakout medical sitcom “Doogie Howser M.D.” and the TNT series “Murder in the First.”
Many actors and Hollywood figures who never worked with him cited him as a mentor and role model for his work behind the scenes.
Reginald Hudlin, the filmmaker and producer behind “House Party” and “Marshall,” wrote: “This man meant the world to me. Mentor is not a strong enough word. Nor is friend. He taught me so much about the business, and life, and always had my back.”
Read some of the online tributes below.
I will be forever grateful to Steven Bochco for the key to the lock that opened the door to a career. At the same time he taught me more about our humanity; our faults and strengths, how they survive side by side, despite our human insistence on seeing them as opposing forces.
— Corbin Bernsen (@corbinbernsen) April 2, 2018
I was 28, married, & the father of a baby boy when the creator of ‘Hill St. Blues’ came to NYC to cast a show about minor league baseball. Steven Bochco gave me my first break on ‘Bay City Blues’ and brought me to Hollywood. I’m eternally grateful to him for my career. RIP boss.
— Ken Olin (@kenolin1) April 2, 2018
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. Thank you and rest well Steven Bochco. You were one of a kind. https://t.co/jTqhyAuO0k
— Sharon Lawrence (@sharonlawrence) April 2, 2018
This makes me so sad! He was such a class act and a great boss & friend rip https://t.co/Dq7PZSvKiR
— Garcelle Beauvais (@GarcelleB) April 2, 2018
Steven Bochco Dies at 74 https://t.co/4L1lFXhIJF via @thr This man meant the world to me. Mentor is not a strong enough word. Nor is friend. He taught me so much about the business, and life, and always had my back. I'm so sad.
— Reginald Hudlin (@reghud) April 2, 2018
I got to play Jesus Christ for this man, and he introduced me to the man who changed my life, David Milch. And he created several of the best shows ever on television…. https://t.co/IEPMPiju9x
— Jim Beaver (@jumblejim) April 2, 2018
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. https://t.co/IWT2Zfr3Nf
— Judd Apatow ?? (@JuddApatow) April 2, 2018
Absolutely one of the biggest influences on Buffy (and me) was HILL STREET BLUES. Complex,unpredictable and unfailingly humane. Steven Bochco changed television, more than once. He’s a legend. All love to his family, R.I.P., and thank you.#LetsBeSafeOutThere
— Joss Whedon (@joss) April 2, 2018
Just heard Legendary tv producer Steven Bochco passed away. His groundbreaking storytelling was a big influence on me pursuing a career as a professional actor. Was blessed to get to direct one of his shows and tell him in person. RIP Mr. Television
— Eriq La Salle (@EriqLaSalle23) April 2, 2018
Steven Bochco was a constant inspiration. As a @CarnegieMellon alum, producer, writer and person. Always kind. My condolences to his family, especially our #aos pal, Jesse. ?? https://t.co/t1YMEDmJzJ
— Ming-Na Wen (@MingNa) April 2, 2018
This man made some GREAT TV!#ripstevenbochco https://t.co/FSZIKmSVS3
— Michael Beach (@MikeABeach) April 2, 2018
https://twitter.com/NellSco/status/980598796265644032
Heartbroken over the death of the great #StevenBochco. He was an amazing talent. His autobiography is a must-read. He changed television forever. pic.twitter.com/eruSVwx79Q
— Mark A. Altman (@markaaltman) April 2, 2018
RIP #StevenBochco, 74, creator of #HillStreetBlues, #LALaw #NYPDBlue #DoogieHowserMD #RichieBrockelman & more. Wrote film #SilentRunning & TV's #Columbo #TheWhiteShadow #McMillanAndWife and others. Instrumental in bringing realism & character depth to #TV drama. pic.twitter.com/Gw0ohoHLNY
— Paul J. Coyne, A.C.E (@Paul_J_Coyne) April 2, 2018
There's an episode of LA Law where Jimmy Smits was defending a couple accused of killing their disabled child (they claimed it was SIDS) & they turn against each other. I still get chills thinking about the final moment in the elevator (Anyone remember this?) RIP Steven Bochco
— Josh Radnor (@JoshRadnor) April 2, 2018
Steven Bochco: Today, our industry lost a visionary, a creative force, a risk taker, a witty, urbane story teller with an uncanny ability to know what the world wanted. We were long-term colleagues, and longer term friends., and I am deeply saddened.
— Robert Iger (@RobertIger) April 2, 2018
So sad to hear of Steven Bochco’s passing. He was a pioneer, a gentleman, and gave me my first job in prime time tv. Rest well, sir. You will be missed. #RIP
— Debra Messing✍? (@DebraMessing) April 2, 2018
As a kid, “Hill Street Blues” and “L.A. Law” were rituals in my house. All of us who grew up watching great TV and have benefited from the ground he broke owe pioneer Steven Bochco a debt of gratitude. RIP
— Beau Willimon (@BeauWillimon) April 2, 2018