Veteran actor Jon Cypher, whose career spanned more than four decades across film, television and stage, has died at the age of 94. Cypher passed away on August 3 with his wife of 40 years, Carol Rosin, by his side. His loved ones described him as "the most kind of men with a great sense of humor, brilliant mind, and a huge loving and caring heart for all sacred life".
Career Highlights
Cypher made his television debut as Prince Christopher in Rodgers and Hammerstein's musical Cinderella in 1957, starring opposite Julie Andrews. He later landed a lead role in the NBC daytime drama Our Five Daughters, playing Driscoll in 160 episodes of the soap in 1962.
He was perhaps best known for his role as Chief Fletcher Daniels in the NBC police procedural Hill Street Blues, starring in 73 episodes from 1981 to 1987. He also portrayed Gen. Marcus C. Craig in 69 episodes of the CBS sitcom Major Dad from 1990 to 1993.
Film and Stage Work
Cypher compiled more than 90 screen roles throughout his career, making his first film appearance as the villain Frank Tanner in the 1971 Western Valdez Is Coming. He went on to star as Man-at-Arms in the 1987 film Masters of the Universe, and also appeared in Tobe Hooper's 1989 horror film Spontaneous Combustion and the 1991 romantic comedy Strictly Business.
His daytime drama roles included Max Van Stadt in ABC's General Hospital in 1981, and Dr. Arthur Donnelly in NBC's Santa Barbara in 1988 and 1989. He also made appearances in Knots Landing in 1982 and 1983, and in the ABC hit Dynasty in 1983, 1984 and 1987.
Other TV guest roles included Mission: Impossible, Bonanza, Mannix, The Doris Day Show, The Rookies, Marcus Welby, M.D., The Rockford Files, Dallas, Trapper John, M.D., Tour of Duty, B.L. Stryker, The Commish, Walker, Texas Ranger, RoboCop and Law & Order.
Stage Passion and Tributes
Cypher's career also took him to the stage, where he appeared in 12 Broadway productions such as Man of La Mancha and Evita. In a 1994 interview, he admitted the stage is where his heart was.
"That's where the passion is. In the theater, the curtain goes up, you're on stage, and you've got to do it. I got to play Thomas Jefferson on Broadway in a musical called 1776," he told the Ashland Theater. "Out there, there were 2,000 people, and there's that interaction of that audience. In a movie, you don't have that. It can be great, great interaction with you and the other actor, a great scene together — it's wonderful: 'Oh my god, I forgot the camera was there.' But there are no people. It's being at risk. There's really no present risk in film today."
Tributes have flooded in online, with one writing: "A very long life very well lived. His memory will live on through his fine work. May he R.I.P." Another shared: "He was remarkable from'59 Cinderella w/Dame Julie Andrew's to 70's TV. such a diverse and captivating performer. Peace be with you." A third echoed: "I grew up watching the old live action He-man movie I even have it on DVD. Cypher Honor to the character, Man of arms I watched the original cartoon when I was a kid that live action he believe that they made would not have been as realistic or accurate without him. Thank you for the inspiration and the memories." A fourth added: "Man-at-Arms Good Journey and thanks for being one of my childhood heroes."
