Gary Null/NBCU
Barbara Bosson, who was nominated for five consecutive Emmys for her role as Fay Furrillo in Hill Street Bluesdied February 18 at age 83.
His death was announced by his director son, Jesse Bochco, on social media.
She is best known for playing the role of Fay Furillo in the first six seasons of NBC. Hill Street Blueswhich was created by her then-husband, Steven Bochco.
Bosson was also Emmy nominated for her role as prosecutor Miriam Grasso on ABC Murder One.
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“More wit and zest than you could wave a stick. When she loved you, you definitely felt it. If she didn’t, maybe you knew it too. Always in our hearts. I love you mom,” Jesse Bochco wrote.
Bosson made his debut in Steve McQueen’s film Bullit and CBS detective series Mannix before becoming one of the stars of NBC Richie Brockelan, Private Investigator. She also starred in Cop Rock and his last roles were in Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of SupermanABC Total security and TV movie Diffusion Dad.
But she is the best memory for her Hill Street Blues role of Captain Frank Furrillo’s (Daniel J. Travanti) needy ex-wife on Hill Street Bluesaired on NBC from 1981 to 1987.
Although the series, created by Steven Bochco-Michael Kozoll, was never a big hit – ranking only 27th among prime time series in its first season and never breaking the Top 20 in a universe at three networks – the show would become a big hit. Its influence was undeniable as reviews swooned and the show garnered 26 Emmys and dozens of other nominations during its run.
Hill Street Blues was the first show to win four consecutive Emmys for Outstanding Drama Series, from 1981 to 1984. Since then, The west wing And Mad Men have equaled this feat.
Bosson remained on the show from 1981 to 1986, earning Emmy Award nominations every year from 1981 to 1985. His character had a baby in Season 4 and was later romantically involved with Henry Goldblume (Joe Spano).
Turning older crime dramas on their head, its procedural/serial hybrid format focused more on the characters and their interactions – and the politics of the police department – than on the crimes they investigated. He influenced subsequent acclaimed series like Homicide: life on the streets And Blue NYPD and continues to resonate today.
Bosson also made appearances on LA Law And Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.
In 1995, Bosson was cast in the series regular role of assistant DA Miriam Grasso on Murder one, an ABC drama series that ran for two seasons. She earned a sixth career Emmy nomination for the supporting role.
Born November 1, 1939 in Charleroi, Pennsylvania, Bosson married writer-producer Bochco in 1970. They divorced in 1997 and he died in 2018.
Bosch star Titus Welliver, who appeared with Bosson in murder onepaid tribute to the actress.
“The beautiful and wonderful Barbara Bosson has left us,” he wrote. “Colleague, friend and surrogate mother. My heart is broken by his departure. Bow your heads for his loved ones so devastated by his departure. I love you Babs, you made us all better with your kindness.
Bosson is survived by his son Jesse, his daughter Melissa and two grandchildren.
Erik Pedersen contributed to this report.