Steven Bochco, NYPD Blue producer, dies at 74

Television writer/producer Steven Bochco. Photo / AP

Steven Bochco, the legendary producer behind hit television cop dramas like Hill Street Blues, LA Law, and NYPD Blue, has died.

A spokesperson for the family told The Hollywood Reporter that the 10-time Emmy Award winner succumbed to leukemia on Sunday.

He was 74 years old.

'Steven fought cancer with strength, courage, grace and his unsurpassed sense of humor,' spokesman Phillip Arnold said.

'He died peacefully in his sleep with his family close by.'

Born in New York, the son of a violin virtuoso (which inspired his production company's onscreen logo), Bochco attended New York Uuniversity and subsequently Carnegie Institute of Technology, receiving a degree in theater.

He started his writing career in the 1960s. Credits included Columbo, with an episode directed by Steven Spielberg, who also came up through the ranks at Universal Television.

Among Bochco's credits are the 1980s hit Doogie Howser, M.D. with Neil Patrick Harris as well as the TNT drama Murder in the First.

Working with different collaborators, Bochco co-created some of TV's most popular series for more than 20 years while helping to create the template for modern dramas featuring large ensemble casts, serialized storylines and edgy content.

The recipient of numerous industry awards, Bochco was nominated for an Emmy 30 times in his capacities as producer and writer, winning 10.

'It was his vision, style, taste and tenacity that made me love watching TV,' actress Sharon Lawrence, who starred in NYPD Blue, tweeted in tribute to Bochco.

'It was being on NYPD Blue that made me love working on TV.