Scott Hylands, best known for his roles in Night Heat and Fargo, has died aged 83.
The Canadian actor’s death was announced by his son, cinematographer Luke Hylands.
Sharing the news on Instagram, 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.”
Born in 1943 in Alberta, Canada, Hylands’ mother Ruth was a nurse and maths teacher, while his father Walter was killed in action in 1945 during the Second World War.
Hylands studied zoology at the University of British Columbia before transferring to theatre arts and later moving to New York City.
He performed on stage for several years before making his screen debut in 1969’s Daddy’s Gone A-Hunting, which was followed by appearances in films including Operation Snafu, Fools, Slipstream, Earthquake and Bittersweet Love.
The actor also had roles in TV shows such as Griff, Kung Fu, The Magician, Wonder Woman, Police Story, The Waltons and Hart To Hart.
After returning to Canada in the 1980s, he was cast in the lead role of Detective Kevin “OB” O’Brien in the police drama Night Heat.
That series – which ran for four seasons from 1985 to 1989 – was the first Canadian original drama series that was simultaneously aired on an American television network during its original broadcast. During its original run, it was also the highest-rated Canadian-produced original series in Canada.
After the series was cancelled, he went on to work on both American and Canadian productions, including series such as To Catch A Killer, NYPD Blue, Titanic, The X-Files, Stargate SG-1, V and Supernatural.
In 2017, he played Ennis Stussy, the stepfather of Carrie Coon’s Department of Homeland Security agent Gloria Burgle, in the third season of Fargo.
Hylands is survived by his wife Veronica, son Luke and daughter Rebecca.
