Star of “Hill Street Blues” Barbara Bosson Has Died at Age 83

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The 1980s NBC police drama “Hill Street Blues” actress Barbara Bosson, nominated for an Emmy, Has Died. She was 83 years old.

Her passing was confirmed by Jesse Bochco, Bosson’s son, in a post that was uploaded to Instagram on Monday. In the caption of a flashback picture of Bosson holding him as a little child, the 47-year-old television director and producer wrote –

“More spirit and zest than you could shake a stick at.”

“When she loved you, you felt it without a doubt. If she didn’t, you might well have also known that forever in our hearts. I love you Mama. Barbara ‘Babs’ Bosson Bochco 1939-2023.”

With her ex-husband, Emmy-winning television writer and producer Steven Bochco, who was married from 1970 until 1997, Bosson shared son Jesse and daughter Melissa. After a protracted fight with cancer, Bochco passed away in April 2018 at 74.

During six seasons, from 1981 to 1987, the actress portrayed Fay Furillo, the ex-wife of police captain Frank Furillo (Daniel J. Travanti). She received five straight Emmy nods for her appearance in the show, which was produced by her ex-husband Bochco and Michael Kozoll.

Bosson then played Deputy District Attorney Miriam Grasso in the courtroom drama “Murder One,” produced by Bochco, Charles H. Eglee, and Channing Gibson after she left “Hill Street Blues.” She played the lead character on the two-year-long series from 1995 to 1997, garnering her sixth Emmy nomination.

Barbara Bosson Has Died
Barbara Bosson Has Died

Bosson also appeared in the Bochco-produced TV shows “L.A. Law” and “Cop Rock.” Roles on “Hooperman,” “Richie Brockelman, Private Investigator,” “McMillan & Wife,” “Murder, She Wrote,” “NYPD Blue,” “Mannix,” “Crazy Like A Fox,” “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine,” and “Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman” are among other television appearances to which they have contributed.

Bosson, born on November 1st, 1939, in Charleroi, Pennsylvania, attended Carnegie Mellon University to study drama before making her acting debut in the 1968 thriller neo-noir “Bullit.” In the 1984 space opera movie “The Last Starfighter,” she played Jane Rogan. The films “Mame,” “The Education of Allison Tate,” and “Little Sweetheart” also featured her.

Celebrities offered their condolences and paid respect to Bosson in the comments section of Jesse’s post after he revealed the news of his mother’s loss.

Actress Ivana Miličević wrote –

“Oh Jesse. I’m so sorry. You’re mom was so awesome and so strong. I love you. This sucks.”

“NYPD Blue” alum Sharon Lawrence commented –

“Oh Jessie I’m so sorry to read this sad news. Your Mom was such special dame- smart, funny, and committed. She and your Dad were great hosts in the early NYPD Blue days. I admired her dedication to environmental protection so much. I send hope for comfort for your family during this tough and tender time.”

Marla Sokoloff wrote, along with a red heart emoji –

“We love you so much. Best memories of your mama.”

Erik Palladino commented –

“I’m so sorry Jesse. Love sent from mine to yours.”

Jason Ritter posted with four red heart emojis –

“I’m so sorry man…”

Amanda Wyss wrote –

“My sincere condolences Jesse.”

Stars of “Dirty Dancing” Jennifer Grey and “Vegas” Jason O’Mara exchanged red heart emojis on social media. “Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.” and “NYPD Blue” star Henry Simmons commented, “So sorry, Jesse. Sending love and prayers to you.”

Bosson’s co-star in “Murder One,” Titus Welliver, paid tribute to the late actress on Twitter –

Jennifer Tilly, who appeared on “Hill Street Blues” from 1984-1985, wrote on Twitter –

Jesse, Melissa, and Bosson’s two grandkids are left behind. Her son, Jesse Bochco, confirmed that she had passed away in a hospital and stated that the cause had not yet been determined.