Actor John Hillerman dies aged 84

John Hillerman, the actor who played Higgins on 1980s TV series ‘Magnum PI’, has died aged 84.

Hillerman’s health has been declining for the past year, died of natural causes on Thursday at his home in Houston Texas.

Hillerman was best known as his character in ‘Magnum PI’, for which he won an Emmy in 1987.

The actor also starred in some of the biggest films in the 1970’s, including Peter Bogdanovich's ‘The Last Picture Show’, Clint Eastwood's ‘High Plains Drifter’ and Mel Brooks’ comical ‘Blazing Saddles’.

Hillerman retired from acting about 17 years ago after ‘Magnum PI’, and returned to his native state in Texas.

His nephew, Chris Tritico said the actor was content leaving Hollywood behind.

 “The reason he didn't take another big role is he refused to take a sitcom after Magnum," he said. “He wanted to continue doing the serious work that he felt Magnum was.” 

Remembering his uncle fondly, Tritico said: “He had an outstanding sense of humour and was one of the most well-read people I ever met. You couldn't play Scrabble with him.”

At the actor’s request, no services will be held.