Steven Bochco’s Death Prompts Outpouring From Hollywood
The death of television legend Steven Bochco today at age 74 has elicited an outpouring of remembrances from throughout Hollywood and popular culture.
Bochco helped create the modern notion of television with shows such as Hill Street Blues, L.A. Law and the peak achievement of his 10-Emmy career, NYPD Blue.
Below are some of the reactions coming in tonight on Twitter. Many are from writers, producers and showrunners, a great many of whom consider Bochco a major influence. We will continue to add more as they inevitably keep coming. Deadline’s Mike Fleming also spoke with Bochco vets Ted Mann, Nicholas Wootton and Matt Olmstead, and Nellie Andreeva has reaction from Fox TV Group chairman Dana Walden. A close friend of Bochco’s, Walden called him “a genius and a giant in our business.”
Sharon Lawrence, who played Sylvia Costas Sipowicz on NYPD Blue, tweeted, “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.”
“Steve was a friend and a colleague starting with the first episode of Columbo in 1971 that he wrote and I directed,” said Steven Spielberg. “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.
“A devastating loss. For television,” David E. Kelley said about the death of Bochco. “For those who loved him and were loved by him. My beacon, my friend. The ground feels different now.”
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
Every episode of Hill Street Blues pushed what was possible on TV. It was a perfect show that broke my heart countless times. I am forever in Steven Bochco’s debt.
— Glen Mazzara (@glenmazzara) April 2, 2018
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
#StevenBochco was not only a great creative influence in my life, I only heard great things about him as an employer and friend. He once called me, out of the blue, to offer support when I broke ties with ABC. A class act. https://t.co/hML5Ed9MVn
— marti fucking noxon (@martinoxon) 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
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
Those of us who write television note seismic shifts in its history associated with individuals of unequaled talent and vision. NYPD Blue ushered in what was to be a modern golden age of television drama. Thank you, Steven Bochco.
— Bill Prady (@billprady) 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
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
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
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
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
I grew up on sitcoms and variety shows. The first TV drama I remember watching was Hill Street Blues. I loved it so much and only later realized it set the standard. Thank you, Steven Bochco.
— Nell Scovell (@NellSco) 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
Related stories
Kim Delaney Remembers Steven Bochco: "He Changed My Life"
David E. Kelley On Steven Bochco's Death: "A Devastating Loss For Television"
Steven Spielberg On His Friendship With Steven Bochco That Spanned 47 Years
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