It is with great sadness that we share the news of the passing of Emmy-nominated actress, Barbara Bosson. At the age of eighty-three, Bosson left a lasting impact on millions of viewers through her role as divorcee Fay Furillo in the popular television series, Hill Street Blues.
Bosson’s son, Jesse Bochco, announced her death on social media, paying a heartfelt tribute to his mother on Instagram. He described her as having an incredible spirit and zest for life, and expressed his love for her. In another post, he shared a touching photo of his mother cradling him as a baby, captioning it with “Rest easy, mom.”
Apart from her iconic role in Hill Street Blues, Bosson also appeared in other shows created by her then-husband, Steven Bochco, such as Hooperman, Cop Rock, and Murder One, all of which gained popularity on the ABC network. She received an Emmy Award nomination for her portrayal of prosecutor Miriam Grasso in Murder One.
Born on November 1, 1939, in Charleroi, Pennsylvania, Bosson grew up in Belle Vernon. As a teenager, she moved to Florida with her family. Although she was accepted into the drama program at Carnegie-Mellon, she couldn’t afford the tuition. Determined to pursue her passion for acting, she moved to New York City, where she attended acting classes while working as a secretary at the American Conservatory Theater and as a Playboy Bunny.
In an interview, Bosson revealed that she faced many challenges in her early career, including dealing with unwanted advances from men. However, her perseverance paid off, and she later attended university in the 1960s, where she met and married Steven Bochco in 1970. Despite their divorce in 1997, they remained connected through their shared passion for television.
Before achieving fame in Hill Street Blues, Bosson started her acting journey with a role in the Steve McQueen film, Bullitt, and a part in the CBS detective show, Mannix.
It is worth noting that Bosson herself acknowledged the influence of Steven Bochco on her career in an interview. However, her talent and dedication were undeniable, and she left an indelible mark on the television industry in her own right.
Barbara Bosson’s legacy will forever be remembered, and she will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and fans. Her contributions to the world of television will continue to inspire aspiring actors for years to come.
