Jon Cypher, TV and Stage Actor, Dies at 94

Jon Cypher, a celebrated actor recognized for his performances in the inaugural live television airing of Cinderella and the series Hill Street Blues and Major Dad, passed away on August 3, 2026, at the age of 94. His obituary appeared in the Ashland News of Oregon. Over his extensive career, Cypher amassed over 90 roles in film and television, alongside 12 Broadway shows. He starred with Julie Andrews in the 1957 CBS live production of Cinderella, marking the first television broadcast of the Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II musical. From 1981 to 1987, he portrayed Chief Fletcher Daniels in 73 episodes of Hill Street Blues, and from 1990 to 1993, he played Gen. Marcus C. Craig in Major Dad for 69 episodes. His filmography includes Masters of the Universe (1987), Spontaneous Combustion (1989), and Strictly Business (1991). Cypher also featured in soap operas like Our Five Daughters (160 episodes in 1962), General Hospital (24 episodes in 1981), and Santa Barbara (57 episodes in 1988-1989), along with recurring roles in Knots Landing and Dynasty. His final on-screen role was as The Prince in PBS's Great Performances production of Cinderella. Preferring stage work for its audience engagement, Cypher published a book in 2019 titled If You're Not Depressed You Oughta Be in Therapy, which includes 99 limericks.