Jon Cypher, the veteran actor remembered for Hill Street Blues and for playing Prince Charming opposite Julie Andrews in the landmark 1957 television production of Cinderella, has died. He was 94.
According to Entertainment Weekly, Cypher died on August 3 at his home in Twin Creeks in Central Point, Oregon, according to his obituary. His wife of 40 years, author Carol Rosin, was by his side. His obituary did not disclose a cause of death.
Jon Cypher Made Television History Alongside Julie Andrews
Cypher landed his first major onscreen role in Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella, which CBS broadcast live in 1957. He played Prince Christopher opposite Andrews as Cinderella in a production that became a major television event. An estimated 107 million people watched the broadcast, representing more than 60 percent of American television households at the time.
From the archives: a publicity shot of Jon Cypher promoting Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella (1957). Happy 91st birthday to our original Prince! 💜
Photo: CBS Photo Archives pic.twitter.com/lcP77N2ehR
— Rodgers & Hammerstein’s CINDERELLA (@RHCinderella) January 13, 2023
The historic performance marked the beginning of a career that would span five decades. Cypher also enjoyed an extensive stage career, making his Broadway debut in The Disenchanted. He eventually appeared in 12 Broadway productions, including The Night of the Iguana, Man of La Mancha, The Great White Hope, and 1776. His ability to move between stage and screen helped him build a remarkably varied body of work.
He Built a Five-Decade Career Across Television, Film, and Theater
Many television viewers best remember Cypher as Police Chief Fletcher Daniels on Hill Street Blues. His lengthy list of television credits also included Bonanza, The Doris Day Show, Dynasty, Murder, She Wrote, The Rockford Files, JAG, Walker, Texas Ranger, and Law & Order. Soap opera audiences also saw him on As the World Turns, General Hospital, Knots Landing, and Santa Barbara. His movie credits included Masters of the Universe, Valdez Is Coming, Spontaneous Combustion, and Strictly Business. Cypher also ventured into voice acting, playing the villain Spellbinder on the animated series Batman Beyond. His final television role came more than two decades before his death on The Lot.
Novak has spoken openly about Hollywood’s pressures, including Columbia Pictures boss Harry Cohn’s attempts to control her image. After his death in 1958, she felt the quality of her roles declined. She later told People that leaving Hollywood was necessary to rediscover herself. Her life afterward centered on painting, animals, and her marriage to veterinarian Robert Malloy, who died in 2020.