JON CYPHER, HILL STREET BLUES ACTOR WHO PLAYED CHIEF FLETCHER DANIELS, DIES AT 94.(PHOTO).

Jon Cypher, Hill Street Blues actor who played Chief Fletcher Daniels, dies at 94

Jon Cypher, best known for playing Chief Fletcher Daniels throughout all seven seasons of the popular 1980s police drama “Hill Street Blues,” has died at age 94.

Cypher’s acting career spanned roughly five decades and included nearly 100 television and film credits. His career began with a high-profile role as Prince Charming in a 1957 television adaptation of “Cinderella,” opposite Julie Andrews, who played the title character.

At the time, Andrews was already known for her Broadway performance as Eliza Doolittle in “My Fair Lady.” Both productions were written by legendary songwriting duo Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein.

Cypher became a familiar television presence during the 1980s, appearing in popular shows including “Dynasty,” where he portrayed two different recurring characters, and “Dallas.”

His most recognized role came on “Hill Street Blues,” where he portrayed Chief Fletcher Daniels from 1981 through 1987. The character frequently clashed with officers under his command. In one memorable episode during the show’s final season, Dennis Franz’s Lt. Buntz punched Daniels while television cameras were recording.

Cypher continued acting in the 1990s, appearing on shows including “Walker, Texas Ranger” and “Law & Order.” His final television role came on “The Lot,” an AMC series about 1930s Hollywood that starred Linda Cardellini. Cypher played a movie director.

Cypher died Aug. 3 at his home in Central Point, Oregon, according to his family. He was buried in a meadow in a biodegradable shroud.