Scott Hylands, the Canadian actor best known for his role as Detective Kevin "OB" O'Brien in the police drama Night Heat and for appearing in the third season of Fargo, has died aged 83. He passed away on 29 July, with his son announcing the news on Instagram.
Son's tribute
His son, cinematographer Luke Hylands, posted a heartfelt message alongside the announcement, describing his father as his "forever hero and best friend". He wrote:
"Husband, Father, Actor, Director, Writer, Storyteller, Friend, and lover of life. I am heartbroken to share the news that my dad Scott has passed away Wednesday night. Myself and my family are still trying to process this horrible loss. There simply are not enough words I can say about you right now. You are my forever hero and my best friend. Always and forever. I love you. Goodbye Dad. Xo."
Career on screen
After returning to Canada in the 1980s, Hylands landed his breakthrough role as Detective Kevin "OB" O'Brien in Night Heat. The series ran for four seasons from 1985 to 1989 and became the first Canadian original drama series to air simultaneously on an American television network during its original broadcast. At the time, it was also the highest-rated Canadian-produced original series in Canada.
After Night Heat ended, he continued to work across American and Canadian television, with credits including To Catch A Killer, NYPD Blue, Titanic, The X-Files, Stargate SG-1, V and Supernatural. Earlier in his career, he appeared in Griff, Kung Fu, The Magician, Wonder Woman, Police Story, The Waltons and Hart To Hart. In 2017, he played Ennis Stussy, stepfather of Carrie Coon's character Gloria Burgle, in the third season of Fargo.
Early life and career
Born in Alberta, Canada in 1943, Hylands was the son of Ruth, a nurse and mathematics teacher, and Walter, who was killed in action in 1945 during the Second World War. He studied zoology at the University of British Columbia before switching to theatre arts and later moving to New York City.
He spent several years performing on stage before making his screen debut in 1969's Daddy's Gone A-Hunting. His film credits include Operation Snafu, Fools, Slipstream, Earthquake and Bittersweet Love.
Family
Hylands is survived by his wife Veronica, his son Luke and his daughter Rebecca.
