MONSEY, N.Y., Aug. 24 (UPI) — Actor Steven Hill, known for his roles on “Law & Order” and “Mission: Impossible” has died at the age of 94.
Hill’s daughter Sarah Gobioff confirmed the news to The New York Times stating that he died Tuesday in Monsey, New York. No information regarding his cause of death was released.
A veteran stage, film and television actor, Hill first rose to prominence starring as “Mission:Impossible” lead Daniel Briggs but left the spy drama after one season. Series star Peter Grave’s later took over for six more seasons.
Hill’s next big television starring role came in 1990 when he joined “Law & Order” as stern district attorney Adam Schiff, who was modeled on real-life Manhattan lawyer Robert M. Morgenthau. Hill played the character for ten years until 2000 and was nominated for two Emmys in 1998 and 1999.
“Steven was not only one of the truly great actors of his generation, he was one of the most intelligent people I have ever met,” “Law & Order” creator and executive producer Dick Wolf said in a statement to CNN.
“He is also the only actor I’ve known who consistently tried to cut his own lines. He will be missed but fortunately he can be seen ubiquitously on ‘Law & Order’ reruns,” he continued.
Hill also starred in multiple films throughout the ’80s and ’90s including “Rich and Famous,” “Yentl,” “Brighton Beach Memoirs,” “Raw Deal and The Firm.”
Outside of Gobioff, Hill is survived by his wife Rachel Schenker, daughters Betsy Hill, Pamela Hill and Hanna Hendler, sons John, Matthew, Jacob, Joshua and Samuel along with many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
