Rif Hutton, ‘Doogie Howser, M.D.’ And ‘General Hospital’ Star, Dies At 73

BusinessHollywood & EntertainmentRif Hutton, ‘Doogie Howser, M.D.’ And ‘General Hospital’ Star, Dies At 73ByTim Lammers,Contributor.Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. I cover Hollywood and entertainment.Follow AuthorApr 21, 2026, 03:58pm EDTApr 21, 2026, 04:06pm EDT--:-- / --:--This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.GENERAL HOSPITAL - "General Hospital" airs Monday-Friday, on ABC (check local listings). (Nick Argo/ABC via Getty Images)RIF HUTTONABC via Getty ImagesRif Hutton, a prolific actor whose credits included Doogie Howser, M.D., General Hospital and JAG, has died.Hutton died on Saturday, April 18, of brain cancer, family members told TMZ. He was 73.“Rif Hutton was a man of action. He inspired so many and leaves behind a legion of loyal admirers - people who loved him,” the actor’s friend and fellow actor, Steve Apostolina, wrote in a Facebook post. “Stories of his generosity would blow your mind."ForbesPrince’s Legacy Includes A Little Golden Book About The Music LegendBy Tim LammersBorn Nov. 28, 1952, in San Antonio, Texas, Hutton had a career in showbiz that spanned over four decades. Hutton acted in more than 180 screen projects, which included several voice roles. After making his screen debut in a bit role as an Air Force officer in the 1983 sci-fi thriller Wavelength, Hutton appeared in guest roles in dozens of TV shows, including Remington Steele, Night Court, A Different World, L.A. Law, Wings and Murphy Brown.In 1989, Hutton landed the recurring role of Dr. Ron Welch in Neil Patrick Harris’ hit medical comedy drama Dougie Howser, M.D. Hutton played Welch in 17 episodes over the show’s four seasons, from 1989 to 1983.MORE FOR YOUIn addition, Hutton played the recurring role of Lt. Cmdr. Alan Mattoni in the military drama JAG for 15 episodes over four seasons of the show from 1997 to 2001.ForbesAlan Osmond, Oldest Sibling In Osmond B...