According to Deadline, beloved Hill Street Blues actress Barbara Bosson, who was consecutively nominated for five Primetime Emmy Awards, just passed away this past Saturday on February 18, 2023. She was 83.
Bosson’s unfortunate passing was announced on social media by her son, Jesse Bochco, who is best known for directing various television episodes for shows like NYPD Blue, Over There, Commander in Chief, and Raising the Bar. In his beautiful and heartfelt tribute post for his mother, Bochco wrote, “More spirit and zest than you could shake a stick at. When she loved you, you felt it without a doubt. If she didn’t, you may well have also known that too. Forever in our hearts. I love you Mama.”
Bosson was best known for her role in Hill Street Blues as Fay Furillo, the vulnerable and needy ex-wife to the series’ central protagonist, Captain Francis Xavier “Frank” Furillo. Bosson starred in over a hundred episodes of Hill Street Blues from 1981-1986 and was nominated for several Primetime Emmy Awards throughout her time on the show. The series was co-created and produced by Bosson’s then husband, Steven Bochco (L.A. Law, Doogie Howser M.D.).
Bosson was also well known for starring as prosecutor Miriam Grasso on ABC’s Murder One from 1995 to 1997, which earned her an additional Emmy Award nomination. Some of her notable roles include appearances in Bullitt, Richie Brockelman, Private Eye, Hooperman, Cop Rock, The Last Starfighter, and Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman.
Actor Titus Welliver (Sons of Anarchy, Bosch), who appeared alongside Bosson in Murder One, also took to social media to pay his respects, “The beautiful and wonderful Barbara Bosson has left us. Colleague, friend and surrogate mother. My heart is shattered by her departure. Bow your heads for her loved ones who are so very devastated by her departure. Love you Babs, you made us all better with your kindness.”
Bosson is survived by her son Jesse, her daughter Melissa, and her two grandchildren.