Doogie Howser, M.D. star Rif Hutton has died aged 73, after a 13-month-long struggle with mind most cancers. The daddy of 1, who was once simply recognizable for his position within the hit sitcom co-starring Neil Patrick Harris, was once surrounded by means of family members when he passed away on April 18 in Pasadena, California, as in line with TMZ. 

He’s survived by means of his spouse, Bridget Hoffman, and his son, Wolfy. Rif was once first recognized with glioblastoma in March 2025, and later participated within the Nationwide Mind Tumor Society’s Southern California Mind Tumor Stroll. 

“Each individual dealing with Glioblastoma, or any mind dysfunction, merits this type of reinforce – to be surrounded by means of encouragement, by means of prayer, and by means of stalwart champions of hope and lightweight,” he wrote on social media at the time. 

“There remains to be significant developments within the struggle in opposition to [Glioblastoma], and that struggle wishes all folks. Please reinforce it in no matter method you’ll.”

Rif, who was once born Walter Hutton, was once easiest recognized for portraying Dr Ron Welch on Doogie Howser, M.D., and his persona was once a excellent pal of the display’s star, performed by means of Neil. He seemed in all 17 episodes throughout 4 seasons, operating between 1989 and 1993. 

He additionally seemed in Star Trek: Generations, Common Medical institution, The Daring and the Stunning, and a number of other episodes of JAG as Lt. Cmdr. Alan Mattoni. Later in existence, Rif turned into a celebrated voice actor and lent his ability to Shrek, Kung Fu Panda, How one can Educate Your Dragon, Rio, Ice Age, Lodge Transylvania and Offended Birds. 

The actor did a stint in the United States Army after graduating highschool, and moved to Los Angeles within the ’70s to kickstart his performing profession. “I had [brought] $1,000. I saved occurring auditions, pondering I might get a task that may flip issues round,” he instructed The LA Times.

“At some point, I regarded in my pockets and learned I had no cash for a room for the night time. I snuck right into a lodge that was once being refurbished and slept on newspapers, and the following night time I slept in a film theater.”

“I in any case made it out, with the assistance of pals,” he added. “I believed then, when the time comes, I wish to assist. I wish to give again.” Rif was once remembered by means of his shut pal, voice-over star Steve Apostolina, in a touching tribute posted on Facebook. 

“A outstanding human being has left this earthly airplane,” he started. “To mention that Rif Hutton was once one among a sort is a gross understatement…Loving father and husband, beneficiant, wryly humorous, extremely vibrant and the toughest running individual I have ever recognized.” 

“Folks knew after they employed him for a voice activity that he was once going to be probably the most ready – he at all times was once,” Steve endured. “He was once additionally at all times first to turn up on a gig – I had the good excitement of thrashing him a couple of instances and scooping a valuable chair, however the ones have been few and some distance between.”

“When the SAG strike broke out, he was once at the line on a daily basis at Warner Bros. – a relentless imaginative and prescient of reinforce,” the actor stated. “I used to be fortunate to go his trail, and I’m a greater individual for understanding him.”