TMZ reports that Riff Hutton (The Princess and the Frog, Spider-Man: into the Spider-Verse), best known for his role as Dr. Ron Welch on the hit TV series Doogie Howser, M.D., has passed away following year-long battle with brain cancer. Hutton appeared in 17 episodes of the ABC medical drama that catapulted the career of How I Met Your Mother’s Neil Patrick Harris (A Series of Unfortunate Events, Doctor Who). He also appeared on shows such as Jag, Star Trek: Generations, General Hospital, and The Bold and the Beautiful.
In a heartfelt farewell post to Facebook, Steve Apostolina , a very close and personal friend Hutton had obtained through extensive work in the voice-over industry, said his goodbye’s. He says they got really close after he directed him in one of his plays and reveals much about how great the late actor was. He says that he was part of the Big Brother organization and had also trained to become a paramedic. He goes on to gloat about his friend and his ability to continue being a student late in life, as he learned Russian and became a Chef. He reminisced on how Hutton was a man of action, taking the front line at testing centers during COVID and with protestors during the Screen Actors Guild strike.
According to Deadline, Hutton became aware of his brain cancer in March 2025, which led him to do what he does best: take action. Hutton made a post to social media as he took part in The National Brain Tumor Society’s Southern California Brain Tumor Walk, saying, “Every person facing Glioblastoma, or any brain disorder, deserves this kind of support – to be surrounded by encouragement, by prayer, and by stalwart champions of hope and light. There continues to be meaningful advancements in the fight against [Glioblastoma], and that fight needs all of us. Please support it in whatever way you can.”
Other credits for Hutton include American Horror Story, Grace and Frankie, Full House, and Home Improvement.