Doogie Howser, M.D. star Rif Hutton has died aged 73, after a 13-month-long battle with brain cancer. The father of one, who was easily recognizable for his role in the hit sitcom co-starring Neil Patrick Harris, was surrounded by loved ones when he passed away on April 18 in Pasadena, California, as per TMZ.
He is survived by his wife, Bridget Hoffman, and his son, Wolfy. Rif was first diagnosed with glioblastoma in March 2025, and later participated in the National Brain Tumor Society's Southern California Brain Tumor Walk.
"Every person facing Glioblastoma, or any brain disorder, deserves this kind of support – to be surrounded by encouragement, by prayer, and by stalwart champions of hope and light," he wrote on social media at the time.
© ABC via Getty Images"There continues to be meaningful advancements in the fight against [Glioblastoma], and that fight needs all of us. Please support it in whatever way you can."
Rif, who was born Walter Hutton, was best known for portraying Dr Ron Welch on Doogie Howser, M.D., and his character was a good friend of the show's star, played by Neil. He appeared in all 17 episodes across four seasons, running between 1989 and 1993.
He also appeared in Star Trek: Generations, General Hospital, The Bold and the Beautiful, and several episodes of JAG as Lt. Cmdr. Alan Mattoni. Later in life, Rif became a celebrated voice actor and lent his talent to Shrek, Kung Fu Panda, How to Train Your Dragon, Rio, Ice Age, Hotel Transylvania and Angry Birds.
© Disney General Entertainment ConThe actor did a stint in the US Navy after graduating high school, and moved to Los Angeles in the '70s to kickstart his acting career. "I had [brought] $1,000. I kept going on auditions, thinking I would get a job that would turn things around," he told The LA Times.
"One day, I looked in my wallet and realized I had no money for a room for the night. I snuck into a hotel that was being refurbished and slept on newspapers, and the next night I slept in a movie theater."
© Disney General Entertainment Con"I finally made it out, with the help of friends," he added. "I thought then, when the time comes, I want to help. I want to give back." Rif was remembered by his close friend, voice-over star Steve Apostolina, in a touching tribute posted on Facebook.
© Facebook"A remarkable human being has left this earthly plane," he began. "To say that Rif Hutton was one of a kind is a gross understatement…Loving father and husband, generous, wryly funny, incredibly bright and the hardest working person I've ever known."
© ABC via Getty Images"People knew when they hired him for a voice job that he was going to be the most prepared – he always was," Steve continued. "He was also always first to show up on a gig – I had the great pleasure of beating him a few times and scooping a treasured chair, but those were few and far between."
"When the SAG strike broke out, he was on the line every day at Warner Bros. – a constant vision of support," the actor said. "I was lucky to cross his path, and I am a better person for knowing him."
