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

Rif 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.”

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Born 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.

In 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.

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Hutton also appeared in the starring role of Gordon in 95 episodes of the 1990 daytime drama Tribes, as well as various roles in 10 episodes of The Bold and the Beautiful in 1989, 1992 and 1998. Hutton also starred in the recurring role of Lenny Caulfield in 32 episodes of General Hospital from 2021 to 2022.

Among Hutton’s dozens of other TV credits were guest roles on the series The Jamie Foxx Show, Family Matters, Arli$$, The Wayans Bros., ER, CSI: Miami, Cold Case, The Shield, House, That’s So Raven, Ghost Whisperer, Jonas, Bosch, Shameless, Grace and Frankie, The Rookie: Feds, American Horror Story, NCIS and S.W.A.T.

Hutton’s last screen appearance was in the 2025 romantic comedy Let’s Call the Whole Thing Off.

Rif Hutton Also Performed Voice Roles For Several Major Animated Movies And TV Series

In addition to his work in front of the camera, Rif Hutton was a prolific voice actor who had “additional voices” credits in such films as Open Season, Rio, Rio 2, ParaNorman, Ice Age: Collision Course, Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation, The Angry Birds Movie 2, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse and The Twits. He also voiced DJ in the Disney animated feature The Princess and the Frog.

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Hutton also had more than 90 credits for his behind-the-scenes work in various sound departments, according to his IMDb profile.

The actor’s big-screen work included roles in such films as Stand and Deliver, Children of the Corn III: Urban Harvest, Star Trek: Generations and Emily the Criminal.

Hutton is survived by his wife, fellow voice actor Bridget Hoffman, and his son, Wolfy.

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