Barbara Bosson, the actress known for her role on Hill Street Blues, has passed away at the age of 83. She died on Saturday, February 18, at her home in Los Angeles. The news of her death was confirmed by her son.
Bosson starred in a number of television shows and films in her 30 year long career. She earned five Emmy nominations for her portrayal of Fay Furillo in Hill Street Blues. Read on to know more about her life and career.
Actress Barbara Bosson Passes Away at 83
Bosson’s son Jesse Bochco took to Instagram on Monday to announce her death. He posted a throwback picture of his childhood and 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.”
A number of celebrities then took to social media to mourn the actress’ death. Actor Titus Welliver tweeted, “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.”
“I remember interviewing #BarbaraBosson during the run of her former husband Steven Bochco’s superb “Hill Street Blues,” on which she cast ego to the wind as the often shrill Fay Furillo. Also great on his “Murder One” and in the underrated “Capricorn One.” May she rest in peace,” wrote writer Jay Bobbin.
Bosson Started Her Acting Career in 1968
Born on November 1, 1939, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Bosson had dreamt of becoming an actress from a young age. After finishing high school, she relocated to New York City to start her acting career. She worked as a Bunny at the Playboy Club before enrolling in drama classes in 1965.
A few years later, she landed her first significant acting role in the 1968 crime film Bullitt, starring Steve McQueen. She then went on to star in the films The Love God?, Mame, Capricorn One, Operating Room, Calendar Girl Murders, and The Last Starfighter and TV shows Mannix, Alias Smith and Jones, McMillan & Wife, Sunshine, and Longstreet.
Breakthrough with Hill Street Blues
Bosson got wide acclaim and recognition after starring on NBC’s 1980s drama Hill Street Blues. She played Fay Furillo, the ex-wife of police captain Frank Furillo (Daniel J. Travanti), and received five Emmy nominations during the first five seasons. The show was created by her then-husband, Steven Bochco.
In the sixth season, both Steven and Barbara decided to leave the show. However, they continued to collaborate on other projects, including Richie Brockelman, Private Eye, Hooperman, and Cop Rock, before their divorce in 1997.
From 1995 to 1997, the actress starred in ABC’s legal drama Murder One as Miriam Grasso. The role got her another Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series. Her last project was ABC’s Total Security, where she appeared in one of the episodes in 1997.
Our condolences to Barbara Bosson’s family and friends. May her soul rest in peace!
