Steven Hill, who originated roles on both “Mission: Impossible” and “Law & Order,” has died at the age of 94.
Hill’s daughter Sarah Gobioff confirmed the news of the actor’s passing to the New York Times on Tuesday. The actor lived in Monsey, N.Y., and died in Manhattan.
Hill joined the original “Law & Order” in its first season as District Attorney Adam Schiff, a role he played for 10 seasons on the seminal NBC legal drama. His role as Schiff would mark his final screen appearance.
“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,” said “Law & Order” creator and executive producer Dick Wolf in a statement. “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.”
Hill was born on Feb. 22, 1922, in Seattle and began his acting career on the stage, in such Broadway productions as the Henry Fonda-led comedy “Mr. Roberts.” He made his film debut in 1950 with the crime noir drama “A Lady Without Passport.”
In 1966, Hill was cast in the role of Daniel Briggs, the leader of the Impossible Missions Force on the original “Mission: Impossible” TV show. He left after one season and was replaced by Peter Graves as James Phelps.
The actor is survived by his second wife, Rachel, whom he married in 1967, as well as four daughters, five sons, a sister and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.