Hollywood is in mourning as beloved actor Rif Hutton has passed away. Hutton appeared in numerous roles throughout his legendary career, including “Doogie Howser, M.D.,” “General Hospital,” and “Star Trek: Generations.” He was 73.
TMZ confirmed Hutton’s passing on April 20 after speaking with his family. Per the report, he passed away at his home in Pasadena, California, on April 18 (some reports say April 19). His death came after a battle with brain cancer. The actor had been fighting cancer for more than a year before his passing.
Hutton passed away while surrounded by family and loved ones. He is survived by his wife and one son.
Tributes Are Pouring In For Rif Hutton
Hutton had a decades-long career in Hollywood, appearing in many beloved films and television shows. Because of this, many of his fans and colleagues are paying tribute to his legacy on social media with kind posts.
One of his friends and fellow actors, Robert Clotworthy, said, “A dear friend of mine, Rif Hutton, passed away yesterday. He was an amazing Actor, Husband, Father and Soul. If you turned on a TV or watched a film over the past 40 years you saw or heard Rif. Farewell, My Friend.”
A fan on X said, “Rest in Peace Rif Hutton.”
Mark Ivanir wrote on Instagram, “One of the best people I’ve known left us today. Rif Hutton. Kind, generous, thoughtful, funny. You will be missed! RIP my brother.”
Eddie Frierson said on Facebook, “One of the truly great humans to ever grace the planet is gone… We are heartbroken. Devastated. Words cannot express the pain felt today by family and friends… Rif Hutton … you were well loved and cherished. We needed more time…”
Another fellow actor, Steve Apostolina, wrote on Facebook, “A remarkable human being has left this earthly plane. 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 left behind a legion of loyal admirers – people who loved him. Stories of his generosity would blow your mind.”
He Will Be Missed
According to IMDb, Hutton appeared in more than 180 credited roles throughout his legendary career. His first on-screen appearance came in 1983 when he portrayed an Air Force officer in “Wavelength.” Two years later, he landed a one-episode role on the legendary sitcom “The Jeffersons.”
Throughout the 80s, he made guest appearances on several well-known shows, including “227,” “Alfred Hitchcock Presents,” and “Night Court.” Then, in 1990, he began a stint on “Doogie Howser, M.D.” as Dr. Ron Welch. Around the same time, he was appearing on “Tribes.”
Hutton continued consistently in the decades that followed, with his final on-screen appearance being in 2025’s “Let’s Call The Whole Thing Off.”
