James Sikking

• Birthplace: Los Angeles, California
• Birthday: March 5, 1934

This stern-featured veteran character actor excels at playing tightly wound and officious fathers, professionals, and other would-be martinets. James B. Sikking may have made his enduring impression on pop culture as Lieutenant Howard Hunter, the pipe-smoking, somewhat prissy but still gung ho S.W.A.T. team leader, on the Steven Bochco-produced "Hill Street Blues" (NBC, 1981-87). Though initially depicted as fairly ridiculous, Hunter became more sympathetic and complex as the series progressed. Sikking enjoyed another healthy run as t…more