Your new password must contain one or more uppercase and lowercase letters, and one or more numbers or special characters. You are nearing the transfer limit for memorials managed by Find a Grave. Is Greg Newsome Related to Ozzie Newsome? John Hillerman, the Texas-born actor who played a likably snobbish British caretaker on the hit television show Magnum, P.I. and had supporting roles in celebrated 1970s movies like Chinatown and Blazing Saddles, died on Thursday at his home in Houston. Please enter valid email address to continue. He remembered his uncle, an Air Force veteran, fondly. John Hillerman, who played stuffed-shirt Higgins to Tom Selleck's freewheeling detective Thomas Magnum in the 1980s TV series "Magnum, P.I." has died, his nephew said Thursday. (LIU / AP). Hollywood is mourning the loss of another brilliant actor. Milton and Harold Wiesenthal; his wife Jo Ann; and his grandchildren, Aubrey Honer (Brad Honer), Maria Tritico, Melissa Tritico, Jay Breaux, Christopher Leonard Tritico, II . Oops, some error occurred while uploading your photo(s). Hillerman was 84.. All rights reserved. Besides playing manager of the Hawaiian estate that Magnum used as home base, Hillerman was known for his 1970s roles as arrogant radio show detective Simon Brimmer on the "Ellery Queen" series and the difficult boss on the sitcom "One Day at a Time.". . Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. His last credits included 1996's A Very Brady Sequeland an early '90s appearance on Murder, She Wrote. Photos larger than 8Mb will be reduced. Hillermans survivors include a sister, Jo Ann Tritico, and seven nieces and nephews including Chris Tritico, a Houston attorney. Hillerman was known for his 1970s roles as radio show detective Simon Brimmer on the Ellery Queen series and his part on The Betty White Show, seen above with the starlet above in 1985, Man of many voices: Hillerman's nephew said that the actor honed his British accent during several decades on the New York stage, but the star used something closer to his own voice in Mel Brooks' Blazing Saddles. Hillerman was 84. Maria Tritico and her fianc were on the beach playing ultimate frisbee on December 6, 2020 when a stray bullet hit Maria in the head. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, Tom Sizemore, Saving Private Ryan actor, dies after brain aneurysm, David Lindley, guitarist best known for work with Jackson Browne, dies at 78, Wayne Shorter, influential jazz saxophonist and composer, dies at 89, Desperate mountain residents trapped by snow beg for help; We are coming, sheriff says, Newsom, IRS give Californians until October to file tax returns, Californias snowpack is approaching an all-time record, with more on the way, Pastor Chuck Smith dies at 86; founder of Calvary Chapel movement, Linda Kasabian, Charles Manson follower who helped send him to prison, dies at 73, Burny Mattinson, animator who was Disneys longest-serving employee, dies at 87, Albie Pearson, an original Angels player known as the Littlest Angel, dies at 88, Walter Mirisch, former motion picture academy president and legendary producer, dies at 101, Search Obituaries & Guest Books on Legacy.com, Honor a loved one, place an obituary notice, Paul Berg, scientific firebrand who pioneered genetic engineering, dies, Barbara Bosson, Emmy-nominated actor known for Hill Street Blues role, dies at 83, Leiji Matsumoto, creator of classic space opera manga and anime, dies at 85, Richard Belzer, stand-up comic and sarcastic TV detective, dies at 78, Stella Stevens, The Nutty Professor actor, dies at 84 after Alzheimers battle, Tim McCarver, Cardinals World Series winner and Hall of Fame broadcaster, dies at 81. Try again later. The controversial 'trauma expert' interviewing Prince Harry: Gabor Mat was warned by the Canadian A big Beckham birthday! John Hillerman, who played stuffed-shirt Higgins to Tom Sellecks freewheeling detective Thomas Magnum in the 1980s TV series Magnum, P.I. has died, his nephew said Thursday. The role of Higgins was his favorite, Tritico said. to see complete work history. Experts weigh in as tremors hit Wales, Cornwall and the Are YOU eating the right colours? Make a life-giving gesture Anyone can read what you share. This section can be locked, requiring permission to
(AP Photo/LIU, File), Emma Stones 'And' co-star Willem Dafoe had her slap him 20 times to get scene right, Prince Harry's 'attacks' on 'villain' Camilla led to Frogmore Cottage eviction: expert, Film industry reacts to death of 'Saving Private Ryan' star Tom Sizemore: 'You're a legend', Matthew McConaughey and Camila Alves take bumpy second flight after 'CHAOS' on Lufthansa plane: 'Wish me luck', Kelsey Grammer wont apologize for the 'difference' that Jesus has made in his life. Oops, something didn't work. The reason he didnt take another big role is he refused to take a sitcom after Magnum, he said. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. We will review the memorials and decide if they should be merged. Facebook gives people the power to share and makes the world more open and connected. Youre looking at this rare thing: a happy actor., John Hillerman, Snooty Sidekick on Magnum, P.I., Dies at 84, https://www.nytimes.com/2017/11/09/obituaries/john-hillerman-who-played-snooty-sidekick-on-magnum-pi-dies-at-84.html, John Hillerman, left, with Tom Selleck on the set of Magnum, P.I.. FILE- This Sept. 22, 1985, file photo shows John Hillerman, left, and Betty White, right, arriving at Emmy Awards in Pasadena, Calif. A spokeswoman for the family of Hillerman says the co-star of TVs Magnum, P.I. has died. as Tom Selleck's exacting sidekick Higgins, has died at his home in Houston. Maria Nicole Tritico, born November 17, 1988 and tragically taken from us December 7, 2020. AKA John Benedict Hillerman. LOS ANGELES John Hillerman, who played stuffed-shirt Higgins to Tom Selleck's freewheeling detective Thomas Magnum in the 1980s TV series "Magnum, P.I." has died, his nephew said Thursday.. At his request no services will be held, Chris Tritico said. #johnhillerman #magnum #magnumpi #actor #film #act #actor #tv #tvshows #movies #hollywood #redneck #rednecknation #wvu #wvufootball #wvubasketball #nfl #football #collegefootball #espn #nbc #abc #foxnews #cnn, A post shared by Zach Young (@zack1182) on Nov 9, 2017 at 9:31pm PST. Becoming a Find a Grave member is fast, easy and FREE. Find the obituary of Maria N. Tritico (1988 - 2020) from Jupiter, FL. The cause of death was not immediately known. The #actor, best known for his role as #Higgins in the 80s TV show Magnum, P.I., has died at the age of 84. Hillerman's survivors include a sister, Jo Ann Tritico, and seven nieces and nephews including Chris Tritico, a Houston attorney. . Hillerman used something closer to his own voice in Mel Brooks Blazing Saddles, playing Howard Johnson, one of the comic Westerns many Johnsons. Tripplingg, Jacqulaine - Trocano, Adeline. Hillerman was 84.. You couldn't play Scrabble with him," Tritico said. 134 times
By signing up you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy, Stand with us in our mission to discover and uncover the story of North Texas, John Hillerman, a Texan who played Higgins on 'Magnum P.I. Post or read reviews for Joann Tritico
Kristen Bell sports Magnum PI mustache and chest hair to You're outta here! We asked the experts - and their answers will terrify you Public Service Announcement, do NOT watch these ads! You couldn't play Scrabble with him," Tritico said. Hillerman used something closer to his own voice in Mel Brooks' "Blazing Saddles," playing Howard Johnson, one of the comic Western's many Johnsons. Jo Ann Tritico: Spouse: Not Known: Children(s) Not Available [X] Biography. When Hillerman decided to retire about 17 years ago, the actor born in Denison, Texas, returned to his native state and was content leaving Hollywood behind, said his nephew. Find local JOANN Fabric & Craft Stores near you! Hillerman's survivors include a sister, Jo Ann Tritico, and seven nieces and nephews including Chris Tritico, a Houston attorney. He appeared in a number of TV series, including "Valerie," ''The Love Boat" and "The Betty White Show," and in films including "The Last Picture Show" and "High Plains Drifter. Easy way to find out what Uber drivers really think of you. LOS ANGELES (AP) John Hillerman, who played stuffed-shirt Higgins to Tom Selleck's freewheeling detective Thomas Magnum in the 1980s TV series "Magnum, P.I." has died, his nephew said Thursday. "He wanted to continue doing the serious work that he felt 'Magnum' was.". LOS ANGELES (AP) - John Hillerman, who played stuffed-shirt Higgins to Tom Selleck's freewheeling detective Thomas Magnum in the 1980s TV series "Magnum, P.I." has died, his nephew said Thursday.. But after all those years, he had only $700 in the bank and decided to move to Los Angeles to find better-paying work. Hillerman was 84. Hillerman used something closer to his own voice in Mel Brooks' "Blazing Saddles," playing Howard Johnson, one of the comic Western's many Johnsons. This may contain information such as company name, job title, address, and time period of service. He remembered his uncle, an Air Force veteran, fondly. Resend Activation Email. Is Dallas becoming unaffordable due to rising housing costs, inflation and stagnating pay? He majored in journalism at the University of Texas, enlisted in the . LOS ANGELES (AP) John Hillerman, who played stuffed-shirt Higgins to Tom Selleck's freewheeling detective Thomas Magnum in the 1980s TV series "Magnum, P.I." has died, his nephew said Thursday.. Copyright 2023 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved. Weve updated the security on the site. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. has died at the age of 84. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. At his request no services will be held, Chris Tritico said . Please contact Find a Grave at [emailprotected] if you need help resetting your password. Leave your condolences to the family on this memorial page or send flowers to show you care. has died, his nephew said Thursday. Reviews help
All rights reserved. He moved to the East Coast and, during 11 years in New York and then four in Washington, he had more than 100 stage roles. Hillerman, who had been in declining health, died Thursday of natural causes at his home in Houston, nephew Chris Tritico said. Besides playing manager of the Hawaiian estate that Magnum used as home base, Hillerman was known for his 1970s roles as arrogant radio show detective Simon Brimmer on the "Ellery Queen" series and the difficult boss on the sitcom "One Day at a Time.". He wanted to continue doing the serious work that he felt Magnum was.. Are you sure that you want to delete this memorial? He had an outstanding sense of humor and was one of the most well-read people I ever met. Hillerman was 84. His last credits included 1996's A Very Brady Sequel and an early '90s appearance on Murder, She Wrote. Do YOU know your Adam and Eve from your Ruby Murray? Please complete the captcha to let us know you are a real person. We have set your language to This profile was gathered from multiple public and
After 30 years of acting on Broadway and in Hollywood, Mr. Hillerman landed a career-defining role in 1980 as Jonathan Quayle Higgins III, the stuffy perfectionist and foil to the free-spirited detective Thomas Magnum, played by Tom Selleck, on the CBS series Magnum, P.I. Higgins, the haughty major-domo of the beachfront property where Magnum lived, was grouchy with a sarcastic wit, not unlike the detective Mr. Hillerman had played on the mid-1970s show Ellery Queen.. At least 10 dead after winter storm slams South, Midwest, The Saturday Six: Dental device controversy, scientist's bug find and more, Indonesia fuel depot fire kills 18; more than a dozen missing, 3 children killed, 2 others wounded at Texas home, Biden had cancerous skin lesion removed last month, doctor says, Duo of 81-year-old women plan to see the world in 80 days, Tom Sizemore, actor known for "Saving Private Ryan" and "Heat," dies at 61, Alex Murdaugh sentenced to life in prison for murders of wife and son, Trump met with early primary state GOP leaders, School shooting survivor has emotional audition on "American Idol", 2023 Oscars: Watch scenes from the best picture nominees, Tiffany & Co. names BTS star Jimin as brand ambassador, How the creator of Dilbert went from star to "train wreck". At his request no services will be held, Chris Tritico said. We are no longer accepting comments on this article. Hillerman's survivors include a sister, Jo Ann Tritico, and seven nieces and nephews including Chris Tritico, a Houston attorney. FACT CHECK: Dave Ramsey Made a Statement About America Online, FACT CHECK: CIA Director Gina Haspel Found Dead, FACT CHECK: Kwik Trip Launches Kwik Strip Gentlemens Clubs, Meet Former Basketball Player Chandler Parsons Wife, Haylee Parsons. Hillerman, who had been in declining health, died Thursday of natural causes at his home in Houston, nephew Chris Tritico said. See more ideas about cooking recipes, recipes, food. Ethnicity, religion & political views. John Hillerman, who played stuffed-shirt Higgins to Tom Selleck's freewheeling detective Thomas Magnum in the 1980s TV series "Magnum, P.I." has died, his nephew said Thursday. Year should not be greater than current year. Hillerman was 84. Hillerman was 84. It was already viewed
But he did not at first see himself onstage. There was a problem getting your location. As a subscriber, you have 10 gift articles to give each month. / AP. Verify and try again. The role of Higgins was his favorite, Tritico said. Hillerman was 84. LOS ANGELES -- John Hillerman, who played stuffed-shirt Higgins to Tom Selleck's freewheeling detective Thomas Magnum in the 1980s TV series "Magnum, P.I." has died, his nephew said Thursday.. This memorial has been copied to your clipboard. Test yourself with this Cockney Rhyming Slang quiz, 'I can still hear their cruel laughter': Dr Alex George bravely reveals he suffered with an eating disorder and 'didn't eat for days' after being fat-shamed by two women at work, Single mother faces 170 parking fine after overstaying at McDonald's for just 14 minutes while she treated her children to meal, Man had sex with his wife on bollard in protest after it had been erected by neighbour to stop him parking his campervan in her space. Besides playing manager of the Hawaiian estate that . Hillerman, who had been in declining health, died Thursday of natural causes at his home in Houston, nephew Chris Tritico said. Hillerman, who had been in declining health, died Thursday at his home in Houston, Texas, his nephew Chris Tritico told media. It was not until he was stationed in Fort Worth with the Air Force that he decided to audition for a community theater production of Death of a Salesman., When I stepped onstage, I experienced the greatest high Ive ever had in my life, he recounted in a 1987 interview. See
His portrayal of Higgins won him an Emmy Award for best supporting actor in a drama, a Golden Globe Award and many fans in England, who adored his character. LOS ANGELES John Hillerman, who played stuffed-shirt Higgins to Tom Selleck's freewheeling detective Thomas Magnum in the 1980s TV series "Magnum, P.I." has died, his nephew said Thursday.. Sorry! At his request no services will be held, Chris Tritico said. At his request no services will be held, Chris Tritico said. has died, his nephew said Thursday. Joann's relationship status is married. has died, his nephew said Thursday. Hillerman's survivors include a sister, Jo Ann Tritico, and seven nieces and nephews including Chris Tritico, a Houston attorney. Hillerman, who had been in declining health, died Thursday of natural causes at his home in Houston, nephew Chris Tritico said. Legal Statement. This account has been disabled. Before he left the Air Force, he had appeared in nearly two dozen plays. During the Korean War, Hillerman joined the Air Force and was deployed as a maintenance officer in a B-36 wing in the Strategic Air Command. He remembered his uncle, an Air Force veteran, fondly. The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline. Staff writer Tommy Cummings contributed to this story. people learn more about others, just like Yelp does for
Learn more in our Privacy Policy. . (1980) --, was of French, German and Austrian descent, raised in a small Texas town and educated at a Catholic high school. Maria Nicole Tritico, born November 17, 1988 and tragically taken from us December 7, 2020. Who's Searching for You, Relatives, Associates, Neighbors & Classmates. Its the best gig Ive ever had, he said that year. Hillerman is survived by his sister, Jo Ann Tritico, and seven nieces and nephews, Chris Tritico among them. What information about Joann are you looking for? (1980) was assumed. Legal Statement. The role that changed his life came shortly after that. Quickly see who the memorial is for and when they lived and died and where they are buried. Hillerman's survivors include a sister, Jo Ann Tritico, and seven nieces and nephews including Chris Tritico, a Houston attorney. Spokeswoman Lori De Waal said Hillerman died Thursday at his home in Houston. Photo added by Steven R. Hieu Bailey, A d/o Michael Medlinger & Rose Barnickelw/o Christopher Benedict Hillermanm/o Rose Mary HORTON(1926-2008), John Benedict(1932-2017) & Jo Ann TRITICO HillermanTexas Death CertificateWidowedOccupation - Owner/Operator Beauty SalonCause of death - ComaInformant - Rose Mary Horton, daughterBurial - Forest Park Westheimer, Thank you for fulfilling this photo request. See
When Hillerman decided to retire about 17 years ago, the actor born in Denison, Texas, returned to his native state and was content leaving Hollywood behind, said his nephew. Known for his recurring roles on Magnum, P.I. Jo Ann Tritico is on Facebook. . Maria leaves her fianc, Chad Steve; her parents, Christopher L. and Deborah Lambert Tritico; sister, Melissa Tritico; brother, Christopher L. Tritico II; grandparents, Leonard and Jo Ann Tritico; nine aunts and uncles; fifteen cousins and a multitude of extended family and friends all over the world. At his request no services will be held, Chris Tritico said. You couldn't play Scrabble with him," Tritico said. First published on November 9, 2017 / 11:24 PM. There are no volunteers for this cemetery. The comments below have not been moderated. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. to see possibly who they are and full class lists found from school records and public sources. You may not upload any more photos to this memorial, This photo was not uploaded because this memorial already has 20 photos, This photo was not uploaded because you have already uploaded 5 photos to this memorial, This photo was not uploaded because this memorial already has 30 photos, This photo was not uploaded because you have already uploaded 15 photos to this memorial. The reason he didnt take another big role is he refused to take a sitcom after Magnum,' he said. Please enter your email and password to sign in. Updated on: November 10, 2017 / 9:34 AM At his request no services will be held, Chris Tritico said. Joann maintains relationships with many people -- family, friends, associates, & neighbors -- including Madison Tritico, Lisa Cartwright, Timothy Tritico, Nunzio Tritico and Amy Pope. Quickly: Readers sound off on the issues of the day, Pot vote has Oklahoma hungry to rake in green from Texas, Indonesia fuel depot fire kills 18, over dozen missing, Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. He was a native Texan, thus his British accent in Magnum, P.I. Please enter your email address and we will send you an email with a reset password code. Many peoples want to know what is John Hillerman ethnicity, nationality, Ancestry & Race? Get more TV Tonight delivered to your inbox for free on weekdays. Check all background information that MyLife has gathered. Hillerman's survivors include a sister, Jo Ann Tritico, and seven nieces and nephews including Chris Tritico, a Houston attorney. John Hillerman, left, and Betty White arriving at Emmy Awards in Pasadena, Calif., in 1985. Iconic actor, John Hillerman passed away yesterday. To view a photo in more detail or edit captions for photos you added, click the photo to open the photo viewer. Joann's net worth hovers over $100,000 - $249,999 with a yearly income that's about $10 - 19,999. He was the middle child with two sisters, and he displayed independence at a young age. As for that quasi-British accent that Hillerman used on Magnum and elsewhere, his nephew said that was honed during several decades of playing varied roles on the New York stage before he turned to TV and movies. has died, his nephew said Thursday. At his request no services will be held, Chris Tritico said. I hate to disappoint you, he said he would reply, but Im a hick from Texas.. LOS ANGELES -- John Hillerman, a Texan who played stuffed-shirt Higgins to Tom Selleck's freewheeling detective Thomas Magnum in the 1980s TV series Magnum, P.I. LOS ANGELES "He had an outstanding sense of humor and was one of the most well-read people I ever met. Hillerman's survivors include a sister, Jo Ann Tritico, and seven nieces and nephews including Chris Tritico, a Houston attorney. Sometimes Joann goes by various nicknames including Jo Ann Tritico, Jo Tritico, Joann Ann Tritico and Joann A Tritico. Learn more about merges. LOS ANGELES John Hillerman, who played stuffed-shirt Higgins to Tom Sellecks freewheeling detective Thomas Magnum in the 1980s TV series Magnum, P.I. has died, his nephew said Thursday. Leave your condolences to the family on this memorial page or send flowers to show you care. Published: 22:35, 9 November 2017 | Updated: 16:15, 10 November 2017. He displayed independence at a young age. You couldnt play Scrabble with him. Continuing with this request will add an alert to the cemetery page and any new volunteers will have the opportunity to fulfill your request. ). LOS ANGELES John Hillerman, who played stuffed-shirt Higgins to Tom Selleck's freewheeling detective Thomas Magnum in the 1980s TV series "Magnum, P.I." has died, his nephew said Thursday.. He had an outstanding sense of humor and was one of the most well-read people I ever met. Hillerman, who had been in declining health, died Thursday at his home in Houston, nephew Chris Tritico said. Hillerman's survivors include a sister, Jo Ann Tritico, and seven nieces and nephews including Chris Tritico, a Houston attorney. Attended the University of Texas at Austin. Joann Tritico is 86 years old and was born on 09/17/1935. Hillerman's survivors include a sister, Jo Ann Tritico, and seven nieces and nephews including Chris Tritico, a Houston attorney. Shop the JOANN fabric and craft store online to stock up for any project. John Hillerman, who played stuffed-shirt Higgins to Tom Selleck's freewheeling detective Thomas Magnum in the 1980s TV series Magnum, P.I. Try again later. It isnt so long ago that I was a struggling actor living in New York, Mr. Hillerman said in a 1985 interview as he sipped a glass of wine on his penthouse balcony in Honolulu, and the only thing I could overlook was my rent.. Besides playing manager of the Hawaiian estate that Magnum used as home base, Hillerman was known for his 1970s roles as arrogant radio show detective Simon Brimmer on the Ellery Queenseries and the difficult boss on the sitcom One Day at a Time. Joann's current home is located at Houston, TX. Family members linked to this person will appear here. "He had an outstanding sense of humor and was one of the most well-read people I ever met. He's best known for playing the stuffed shirt pain in the ass to the freewheeling detective portrayed by Tom Selleck, in Magnum P.I. File Photo/the Associated Press John Hillerman and Betty White attended the Emmy Awards in Pasadena, Calif., in 1985. John Hillerman, who played stuffed-shirt Higgins to Tom Selleck's freewheeling detective Thomas Magnum in the 1980s TV series "Magnum, P.I." He appeared in a number of TV series, including Valerie, The Love Boat and The Betty White Show, and in films including The Last Picture Show and High Plains Drifter., His last credits included 1996s A Very Brady Sequel and an early 90s appearance on Murder, She Wrote.. * The other websites referenced on this site are owned and operated by their respective companies, and the associated trademarks and logos are the property of those companies. #magnumpi #tv, A post shared by Bella Speaks Her Heart (@bella.speaks.her.heart) on Nov 9, 2017 at 8:55pm PST, About his uncles career, Tritico said, The reason he didnt take another big role is he refused to take a sitcom after Magnum. He wanted to continue doing the serious work that he felt Magnumwas.. Personal details about Joann include: political affiliation is currently a registered Unaffiliated/Non Affiliated; ethnicity is Caucasian; and religious views are listed as Christian. He remembered his uncle, an Air Force veteran, fondly. Police say a gang member shot at a rival group. You have chosen this person to be their own family member. The WORST care homes in England: Interactive map reveals the lowest-rated 2,530 residences - so is there one near you? John Benedict Hillerman was born in Denison, Tex., about 60 miles north of Dallas, on Dec. 20, 1932, to Christopher Benedict Hillerman and Lenora Joan Hillerman. Use the links under See more to quickly search for other people with the same last name in the same cemetery, city, county, etc. Hillerman, who had been in declining health, died Thursday at his home in Houston, nephew Chris Tritico said. . At his request, no services will be held, Chris Tritico said. As for that quasi-British accent that Hillerman used on Magnum and elsewhere, his nephew said that was honed during several decades of playing varied roles on the New York stage before he turned to TV and movies. "He wanted to continue doing the serious work that he felt 'Magnum' was."Hillerman's survivors include a sister, Jo Ann Tritico, and seven nieces and nephews including Chris Tritico, a . cemeteries found within miles of your location will be saved to your photo volunteer list. A spokesperson for the family confirmed. He appeared in a number of TV series, including Valerie, The Love Boat and The Betty White Show, and in films including The Last Picture Show and High Plains Drifter., His last credits included 1996s A Very Brady Sequel and an early 90s appearance on Murder, She Wrote.. He eventually reconnected with a friend from New York, the director Peter Bogdanovich, who cast Mr. Hillerman in a number of his films, including The Last Picture Show (1971) and Paper Moon (1973). 2017 The Associated Press. Spokeswoman Lori De Waal said Hillerman died Thursday at his home in Houston. John Hillerman, who played stuffed-shirt Higgins to Tom Selleck's freewheeling detective Thomas Magnum in the 1980s TV series Magnum, P.I. John Hillerman, left, and Betty White arriving at Emmy Awards in Pasadena, Calif., in 1985. "He wanted to continue doing the serious work that he felt 'Magnum' was.". Who's Searching for You, Look Your Best to People Searching for You. LOS ANGELES (AP) - John Hillerman, who played stuffed-shirt Higgins to Tom Selleck's freewheeling detective Thomas Magnum in the 1980s TV series "Magnum, P.I." has died, his nephew said Thursday..