Jon Cypher, a longtime TV star and actor best known for his role as Chief of Police Fletcher Daniels on Hill Street Blues, has passed away at 94. Details of his specific burial instructions have been revealed.
Per his obituary, Jon Cypher died at his home in Twin Creeks, Central Point, Oregon, on August 3 with his wife of 40 years, author Carol Rosin, at his side. No cause of death was mentioned.
He had a long and successful career as an actor. He worked in television, movies, and on Broadway for more than five decades.
Born on January 13, 1932, in New York, Jon Cypher graduated from Brooklyn College in 1953. A few years later, he began performing in summer theater productions in Denver.
His big break came in 1957 when he played Prince Charming opposite Julie Andrews in the first live TV version of Cinderella on CBS.
The show became a huge success, with around 107 million viewers. That equaled more than 60 percent of American homes. It was Cipher’s first major TV role and helped launch his long career in acting.
Jon Cypher, ‘Hill Street Blues’ and ‘Cinderella’ actor, dies at 94
During his life, he appeared in 12 Broadway shows, including The Night of the Iguana, Man of La Mancha, and The Great White Hope.
Cypher would not only become a legend on the Broadway scene. He also became a familiar face on television. He appeared in many popular shows, including Bonanza, Mannix, Dynasty, Murder, She Wrote, The Rockford Files, JAG, Walker, Texas Ranger, and Law & Order.
He also had roles in soap operas such as As the World Turns, General Hospital, Knots Landing, and Santa Barbara. However, many fans may remember him best as Chief of Police Fletcher Daniels on Hill Street Blues.
His movie credits included Masters of the Universe, Valdez Is Coming, Spontaneous Combustion, and Strictly Business. Moreover, he also lent his voice to the animated series Batman Beyond, where he played the villain Spellbinder.
But acting wasn’t Cypher’s only talent. His obituary says he loved singing opera in four languages. He was known for suddenly breaking into song and making people around him smile.
Details of burial
In 2019, he also published a book titled If You’re Not Depressed, You Oughta Be in Therapy. The book included 99 limericks and his thoughts on life.
Jon Cypher once spoke openly about how hard acting could be, saying in 2014 that it’s not an “easy profession.”
“You’re always being judged, by critics, by the audience,” he explained. “I’d say to any young actor who is thinking about entering the fray, ‘Gird your loins very sturdily and have a sharp sword,’ because you have to pick yourself up many, many, many times.”
When asked about the secret to his long career, Cypher jokingly answered “Poverty.”
“When you’re an actor, it’s what you do, as long as you can do it,” he added.
Jon Cypher is set to be buried on August 11 at the Forest Conservation Burial Ground in Ashland, Oregon. According to his obituary, he will rest beneath tall trees in a meadow, wrapped in a natural, biodegradable shroud.
His wish was to return to nature, a peaceful final goodbye after a remarkable life in show business.
Rest in peace, Jon Cypher. Our thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones.
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