Rif Hutton, a cherished figure in the television industry, has passed away at the age of 73. Known for his significant role in the series “Doogie Howser, M.D.,” Hutton left a lasting legacy in the world of acting.
According to reports by TMZ, Hutton died peacefully at his residence in Pasadena, California, on Saturday, April 18. His family disclosed that he had been contending with glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer, for more than a year.
Hutton’s portrayal of Dr. Ron Welch on “Doogie Howser, M.D.”—where he acted alongside Neil Patrick Harris as the titular character—cemented his place in the hearts of audiences. Tragically, his passing comes shortly before that of another soap opera actor, Patrick Muldoon.
In a heartfelt tribute on Facebook, Steva Apostolina, a close friend and fellow voice-over actor, commemorated Hutton’s life, describing him as an extraordinary individual. As reported by Deadline, Apostolina stated, “A remarkable human being has left this earthly plane.”
Apostolina further praised Hutton’s professional dedication, noting, “To say that Rif Hutton was one of a kind is a gross understatement. People who hired him for voice work knew he would be the most prepared—he always was.” She fondly recalled his punctuality, adding, “He was also always first to show up on a gig. I had the great pleasure of beating him a few times and scooping a treasured chair, but those were few and far between.”
‘To say that Rif Hutton was one of a kind is a gross understatement… People knew when they hired him for a voice job that he was going to be the most prepared — he always was,’ Apostolina wrote. ‘He was also always first to show up on a gig — I had the great pleasure of beating him a few times and scooping a treasured chair, but those were few and far between.’
Rif Hutton, the prolific television actor best known for his work on Doogie Howser, M.D. has died at 73. Hutton died at his home in Pasadena, California, on Saturday, TMZ reported on Monday; pictured on General Hospital
His family told the publication that the actor had been stricken with brain cancer for over a year. Hutton played Dr. Ron Welch on Doogie Howser, M.D., which starred Neil Patrick Harris (front center) as a teenage doctor
The tribute painted a portrait of Hutton as someone who was determined to support his fellow actors.
‘When the SAG strike broke out,’ Apsotolina wrote, ‘he was on the line every day at Warner Bros. — a constant vision of support.’
According to Deadline, Hutton was diagnosed with a brain tumor in March 2025.
His cancer, glioblastoma, is considered both the most common and most aggressive form of brain cancer, and tends to have a poor prognosis, with most people diagnosed with it only living another 12 to 18 months, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
After five years, glioblastoma only has a five-year survival rate.
Following his diagnosis, Hutton participated in the National Brain Tumor Society’s Southern California Brain Tumor Walk to raise awareness about the disease.
‘Every person facing Glioblastoma, or any brain disorder, deserves this kind of support — to be surrounded by encouragement, by prayer, and by stalwart champions of hope and light,’ Hutton wrote on social media at the time, via Deadline. ‘There continues to be meaningful advancements in the fight against [glioblastoma], and that fight needs all of us. Please support it in whatever way you can.’
Hutton was a recurring character on Doogie Howser, M.D. for 17 episodes from its first season in 1989 to its fourth and final season in 1993.
Hutton (pictured with Kathryn Morris on Cold Case in 2003) was diagnosed with the brain cancer glioblastoma in March 2025. The condition, which is the most common and most aggressive form of brain cancer, has a poor prognosis, with most people only living 12 to 18 months after diagnosis
Hutton played Dr. Ron Welch on Doogie Howser, M.D. (pictured), which starred Neil Patrick Harris as a teenage doctor
Hutton was a recurring character on Doogie Howser, M.D. for 17 episodes from its first season in 1989 to its fourth and final season in 1993; (L–R) James Sikking, Neil Patrick Harris and Belinda Montgomery on Doogie Howser, M.D.
Later, he became known for his work on JAG, on which he appeared in 15 episodes as Lt. Cmdr. Alan Mattoni. More recently, Hutton appeared on 32 episodes of General Hospital, from 2021 to 2022; pictured on Rattled! in 2022
Later, he became known for his work on JAG, on which he appeared in 15 episodes as Lt. Cmdr. Alan Mattoni.
More recently, Hutton appeared on 32 episodes of General Hospital, from 2021 to 2022.
He was previously featured on all 95 episodes of the teen-focused Fox soap Tribes, which only aired from March through July of 1990.
In addition to his work on numerous TV shows, Hutton also starred on a popular series of KFC commercials in the early to mid-1990s.
Although he was best known for his TV work, Hutton was also featured extensively in films, though he tended to work behind the scenes as a voice actor.
He provided multiple voices for 2016’s Ice Age: Collision Course, while one of his final on-screen roles was in the 2022 crime comedy Rattled!.
