Steven Bochco, the prolific TV creator responsible for hits including "Hill Street Blues," "L.A. Law" and "NYPD Blue," died Sunday morning, his rep told The New York Daily News.
He was 74.
The New York native began his career at Universal on shows such as "Ironside" and "Columbo" before leaving for MTM Enterprises, where James Earl Jones starred in his first show, the short-lived cop drama "Paris."
"Hill Street Blues," however, was his first big hit, earning eight Emmy Awards in its pilot season and compiling 98 nominations over a seven-season run.
After the failure of "Bay City Blues," Bochco moved to 20th Century Fox where he brought "L.A. Law" to air on NBC in 1986, "Doogie Howser, M.D." in 1989 and "Cop Rock" in 1990.
"NYPD Blue" debuted five years later, only to be followed by a string of disappointing series, including "Murder One" and "City of Angels."
"Steven fought cancer with strength, courage, grace and his unsurpassed sense of humor," his family said in a statement. "He died peacefully in his sleep with is family close by."
The legendary producer was diagnosed with leukemia several years ago. In late 2014, he received a stem cell transplant from an anonymous 23-year-old.
Bochco is survived by three children: daughter Melissa and sons Jeffrey and Jesse.
