RIP Steven Bochco: Hollywood Pays Tribute to ‘One of a Kind’ TV Innovator

Emmy-winning writer-producer of “Hill Street Blues,” “L.A. Law” “NYPD Blue” died at age 74

Actor Dennis Franz and show creator Steven Bochco attend a NYPD Blue press conference for the Television Crictics Association winter tour on January 20, 2005 at the 20th Century Fox studio lot in Los Angeles, California
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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.

https://twitter.com/jumblejim/status/980605262137581568

https://twitter.com/NellSco/status/980598796265644032

https://twitter.com/DebraMessing/status/980606610828615681

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