Rif Hutton, best known for his role as Dr Ron Welch on the hit sitcom Doogie Howser, M.D., has died at the age of 73 following a 13-month battle with brain cancer. The actor passed away on 18 April in Pasadena, California, surrounded by loved ones, according to reports.
Hutton, born Walter Hutton, was diagnosed with glioblastoma in March 2025. He later took part in the National Brain Tumor Society's Southern California Brain Tumor Walk, writing on social media: '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.'
He is survived by his wife, Bridget Hoffman, and his son, Wolfy. Hutton appeared in all 17 episodes of Doogie Howser, M.D. across four seasons from 1989 to 1993, playing a close friend to Neil Patrick Harris's character. His other television credits include Star Trek: Generations, General Hospital, The Bold and the Beautiful, and a recurring role on JAG as Lt. Cmdr. Alan Mattoni.
In later years, Hutton became a celebrated voice actor, contributing to films such as Shrek, Kung Fu Panda, How to Train Your Dragon, Rio, Ice Age, Hotel Transylvania, and Angry Birds. After graduating high school, he served in the US Navy before moving to Los Angeles in the 1970s to pursue acting.
Voice-over star Steve Apostolina paid tribute to Hutton on Facebook, calling him 'a remarkable human being' and 'the hardest working person I've ever known'. He added: 'People knew when they hired him for a voice job that he was going to be the most prepared – he always was.'
