Born: December 20, 1932 – Died: November 9, 2017
John Hillerman was a captivating actor, best known for his role as Jonathan Quayle Higgins III in the popular TV series Magnum, P.I. Born on December 20, 1932, in Denison, Texas, Hillerman came from a mixed European heritage, with French, German, and Austrian roots. Raised in a small Texas town, he attended a Catholic high school before studying journalism at the university of Texas. Hillerman's journey to becoming a successful actor was not without challenges. Despite initially struggling with his Texas accent, he overcame it through years of hard work and dedication. With his impeccable talent and a career-defining role in Magnum, P.I., Hillerman left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry.
Early Life and Career
John Hillerman had a modest upbringing in a small Texas town, where he attended a Catholic High school. He went on to study journalism at the University of Texas. Hillerman's journey into acting began unexpectedly when he landed a role in a community theater production of "Death of a Salesman" while serving in the Air Force in Ft. Worth from 1953 to 1957. He discovered his passion for acting and decided to pursue it further.
Though initially tasked with small supporting roles, Hillerman gradually established his credentials through memorable performances. In the mid-70s, he gained recognition for his back-to-back roles in "Chinatown" and "Blazing Saddles," cementing his place in Hollywood.
However, it was his role as Jonathan Quayle Higgins III in the TV series Magnum, P.I. that became his defining role. Portraying the sophisticated and refined character alongside Tom Selleck's Magnum, Hillerman won critical acclaim and became a beloved character in the show, which ran from 1980 to 1988.
Hillerman received several accolades throughout his career, including one Primetime Emmy Award for Magnum, P.I. He was known to be an Anglophile with a background in stage plays by Shakespeare.
John Hillerman made a significant impact on the entertainment industry, leaving a lasting impression with his portrayal of Higgins. His talent, dedication, and impeccable memory for lines contributed to his success as an actor. Though he passed away on November 9, 2017, Hillerman will always be remembered as an icon of television and film, particularly for his role in Magnum, P.I.
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1996 | A Very Brady Sequel | Dr. Whitehead |
| 1993 | Berlin Break (TV Series) | John J. MacKenzie |
| 1986–1992 | Murder, She Wrote (TV Series) | Edgar Greenstreet | Jonathan Higgins |
| 1990–1991 | Valerie (TV Series) | Lloyd Hogan |
| 1990 | Hands of a Murderer (TV Movie) | Dr. John Watson |
| 1989 | Real Men Don't Eat Gummi Bears | Padre |
| 1989 | Around the World in 80 Days (TV Mini Series) | Sir Francis Commarty |
| 1988 | Street of Dreams (TV Movie) | Raymond Kepler |
| 1980–1988 | Magnum, P.I. (TV Series) | Higgins | Sam Caldwell | Father Paddy McGuinness ... |
| 1987 | Assault and Matrimony (TV Movie) | Cyril |
| 1984 | Money Hunt: The Mystery of the Missing Link (Video) | The Host |
| 1984 | Up the Creek | Dean Burch |
| 1979–1983 | The Love Boat (TV Series) | Manfred Benusse | Ed Hartnett |
| 1982 | Little Gloria... Happy at Last (TV Mini Series) | Maury Paul |
| 1982 | Simon & Simon (TV Series) | Jonathan Higgins |
| 1982 | Tales of the Gold Monkey (TV Series) | 'Monocle' Fritz |
| 1981 | History of the World: Part I | Rich Man - The French Revolution |
| 1976–1980 | One Day at a Time (TV Series) | Mr. Connors |
| 1980 | Lou Grant (TV Series) | Avery Sturbridge |
| 1980 | Nobody's Perfect (TV Series) | Duvalier |
| 1980 | Tenspeed and Brown Shoe (TV Series) | William Whitney |
| 1980 | Hart to Hart (TV Series) | Victor Sutter |
| 1980 | Battles: The Murder That Wouldn't Die (TV Movie) | Paul Harrison |
| 1980 | Marathon (TV Movie) | Greg |
| 1980 | Young Maverick (TV Series) | McBurney |
| 1980 | Soap (TV Series) | Minister |
| 1978–1979 | Flying High (TV Series) | Richter | Herron |
| 1979 | Sunburn | Anton Webb |
| 1979 | Beane's of Boston (TV Movie) | John Peacock |
| 1979 | Institute for Revenge (TV Movie) | Voice of I.F.R. (uncredited) |
| 1978 | Betrayal (TV Movie) | Victor Slavin |
| 1978 | Little House on the Prairie (TV Series) | Sterling Murdock |
| 1978 | A Guide for the Married Woman (TV Movie) | Marvin |
| 1976–1978 | Hawaii Five-O (TV Series) | Nelson Bodine | Donald Blair |
| 1977–1978 | The Betty White Show (TV Series) | John Elliot |
| 1977 | Kill Me If You Can (TV Movie) | George Davis |
| 1977 | Relentless (TV Movie) | Major Leo Hargit |
| 1977 | Audrey Rose | Scott Velie |
| 1977 | Delvecchio (TV Series) | Dr. Augustus Hamilton |
| 1976 | Wonder Woman (TV Series) | Conrad Steigler |
| 1976 | Serpico (TV Series) | Raoul Christie |
| 1976 | The Invasion of Johnson County (TV Movie) | Major Walcott |
| 1975–1976 | Ellery Queen (TV Series) | Simon Brimmer |
| 1975 | Lucky Lady | Christy McTeague |
| 1975 | The Bob Crane Show (TV Series) | Dean Harrington |
| 1975 | The Day of the Locust | Ned Grote |
| 1972–1975 | Mannix (TV Series) | Norman Thompson | J.H. Murrell | Larry Lawton |
| 1975 | At Long Last Love | Rodney James |
| 1974 | The Law (TV Movie) | Thomas Q. Rachel |
| 1974 | Chinatown | Yelburton |
| 1974 | The Nickel Ride | Carl |
| 1974 | Kojak (TV Series) | Mark Gallant |
| 1974 | The Last Angry Man (TV Movie) | Tree Inspector |
| 1974 | Blazing Saddles | Howard Johnson |
| 1974 | Maude (TV Series) | Drunk |
| 1973 | The Naked Ape | Psychiatrist |
| 1973 | Paper Moon | Deputy Hardin | Jess Hardin |
| 1973 | High Plains Drifter | Bootmaker |
| 1973 | The Thief Who Came to Dinner | Lasker |
| 1972 | The Outside Man | Department Store Manager |
| 1972 | The F.B.I. (TV Series) | Morris Ridley |
| 1972 | The Sandy Duncan Show (TV Series) | Plessy |
| 1972 | The Sixth Sense (TV Series) | Adrian Weems |
| 1972 | Skyjacked | Walter Brandt |
| 1972 | The Great Man's Whiskers (TV Movie) | Major Underwood |
| 1972 | The Carey Treatment | Jenkins |
| 1972 | What's Up, Doc? | Hotel Manager |
| 1971 | Honky | Unknown |
| 1971 | Sweet, Sweet Rachel (TV Movie) | Medical Examiner |
| 1971 | The Last Picture Show | Teacher |
| 1971 | Lawman | Totts |
| 1970 | They Call Me Mister Tibbs! | Reporter (uncredited) |
