Scott Hylands, the actor known for playing Detective Kevin “OB” O’Brien in Night Heat, has died. He was 83.
The Canadian actor died on Wednesday, July 29, his cinematographer son Luke Hylands announced in a statement memorializing his “forever hero and best friend” on social media.
“Husband, Father, Actor, Director, Writer, Storyteller, Friend, and lover of life,” he wrote on Instagram. “I am heartbroken to share the news that my Dad Scott has passed away Wednesday night. Myself and my family are still trying to process this horrible loss.”
Luke continued, “There simply are not enough words I can say about you right now. You are my forever hero and my best friend. Always and forever. I love you. Goodbye Dad. xo”
Born Feb. 27, 1943 in Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada, Scott Hylands Douglas was raised in British Columbia, where he studied zoology at University of British Columbia before transferring to theater arts. After college, he pursued acting in New York City, where he made his off-Broadway debut as the lead in a 1965 production of Billy Liar. He also performed with the American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco for several years before his onscreen debut in Daddy’s Gone A-Hunting (1969).
He went on to appear in films like Operation Snafu (1970), Fools (1970), Slipstream (1973), Earthquake (1974), Bittersweet Love (1976) and The Boys in Company “C” (1978), as well as shows like Griff, Kung Fu, The Magician, Wonder Woman, Police Story, The Waltons and Hart to Hart.
Upon returning to Canada in the ’80s, Hylands landed the role of Detective Kevin “OB” O’Brien in the the CTV/CBS police crime drama Night Heat from 1985 to ’89. The actor was also known for playing Father Travis in ABC’s V (2009-2011).
Over the years, Hylands also appeared on shows like NYPD Blue, The Outer Limits, The X-Files, Stargate SG-1, Supernatural, Fargo, Heartland and Wynonna Earp, as well as films like Rememory (2017) and Elsewhere (2019).
Scott Hylands is survived by wife Veronica, son Luke and daughter Rebecca.
The Hollywood Reporter was first to break the news of Hylands’ death.
