‘Doogie Howser, M.D.’ alum dead at 73

Actor Rif Hutton, best known for appearing on “Doogie Howser, M.D.” and “JAG,” has died. He was 73.

Hutton’s family told TMZ he died at his home in Pasadena, California, on Saturday after a more than one-year battle with brain cancer.

They noted he was surrounded by loved ones at the time of his death. He is survived by his wife and son, the outlet reported.

Rif Hutton as a police chief in a black uniform. — Rif Hutton, pictured here on “Rattled!” in 2022, has died. Courtesy Everett Collection

Actor Rif Hutton as shown in an episodic still for the soap opera General Hospital. — The actor, best known for his roles on “Doogie Howser, M.D.” and “JAG,” was 73. (Here he is pictured on “General Hospital” in 2021.) ABC via Getty Images

The actor played Dr. Ron Welch on “Doogie Howser, M.D.” throughout the series’ four-season run from 1989 to 1993.

Hutton’s recurring character was friendly with the show’s titular character, a teenage physician played by Neil Patrick Harris.

Elsewhere on TV, Hutton played Lieutenant Commander Alan Mattoni of the United States Navy on “JAG” during season 3 to season 6 of the legal drama’s 10-season run.

Natanya Ross, Christopher Castile, and Rif Hutton sitting and clapping with others. — Hutton’s family told TMZ he’d been battling brain cancer for more than a year. Hutton is pictured above on “Step by Step” in 1993. Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images

Rif Hutton and Kathryn Morris from Cold Case. — Hutton, seen here on “Cold Case” in 2003, also dabbled in soap operas, appearing on both “The Bold and the Beautiful” and “General Hospital.” ©CBS/Courtesy Everett Collection

Hutton also was known for his work in soap operas, appearing on both “The Bold and the Beautiful” and “General Hospital.” He played a few different characters on the former, and the role of Lenny Caulfield on the latter.

Eagle-eyed TV fans may also remember him from a string of commercials in the ’90s in which he played a KFC restaurant owner.

On the big screen, he largely found success in the voice acting world, working on films like “Shrek,” “The Princess and the Frog,” “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” and numerous other animated franchises.

RIF HUTTON and JOYCE GUY sit in green chairs holding hands, with drinks on a small table in front of them. — Hutton, seen here again on “General Hospital” in 2021, is also remembered for his voice acting work in animated films like “Shrek” and “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.” ABC via Getty Images

“A remarkable human being has left this earthly plane,” fellow voice actor Steve Apostolina wrote in a tribute posted on Facebook. To say that Rif Hutton was one of a kind is a gross understatement. There will never be another like him – perhaps his son Wolfy will come closest.”

“Rif Hutton was a man of action. He inspired so many and leaves behind a legion of loyal admirers – people who loved him. Stories of his generosity would blow your mind,” he continued.

Apostolina added, “F–k cancer in general, but in particular glioblastoma [brain cancer]. I was lucky to cross his path and I am a better person for knowing him.”

The post ‘Doogie Howser, M.D.’ alum dead at 73 appeared first on Page Six.