Jon Cypher, the veteran actor who spent nearly seven decades moving between Broadway, television and film, died August 3 at his home in Central Point, Oregon, his family announced. He was 94. No cause of death was disclosed, but his family said he died with his wife of 40 years, Carol Rosin, by his side.
Cypher’s television career stretched back to the earliest days of the medium, beginning with a starring turn as Prince Charming opposite Julie Andrews in the original 1957 live broadcast of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Cinderella,” watched by more than 107 million viewers.
He went on to build one of his best-known roles decades later as Police Chief Fletcher Daniels on “Hill Street Blues,” appearing in more than 70 episodes across the NBC drama’s full seven-season run from 1981 to 1987. The series never cracked the top 20 in ratings during its run but earned four consecutive Emmys for outstanding drama series and left a lasting mark on television storytelling.
In 1987, Cypher took on the role of Duncan, also known as Man-At-Arms, opposite Dolph Lundgren in the cult film “Masters of the Universe,” a part now being revisited by Idris Elba in this year’s reboot. He later joined the CBS sitcom “Major Dad” as Brigadier General Marcus Craig for the show’s final three seasons alongside Gerald McRaney, appearing in 69 episodes between 1990 and 1993.
Beyond those roles, Cypher’s credits spanned “Dynasty,” “Knots Landing,” “Santa Barbara” and “As the World Turns,” along with guest spots on “Law & Order” and voice work as the villain Spellbinder on “Batman Beyond.” His film work included a role as a villainous rancher opposite Burt Lancaster in “Valdez Is Coming.” Onstage, Cypher originated roles in “Man of La Mancha,” later stepping into the title role of Don Quixote, and appeared in Broadway productions of “1776,” “Coco” and “Big: The Musical.”
A trained singer known for performing opera in four languages, Cypher also wrote a book of limericks. His family described him as a man with a sense of humor and a deep care for life, noting he will be buried at the Forest Conservation Burial Ground in Ashland, Oregon.
