John Hillerman, who has died aged 84, played one of the most joyous creations of 1980s popular American television: Higgins, the prissy English major-domo who was the foil to Tom Selleck's eponymous private eye in Magnum, PI.
A stuffed shirt par excellence, Higgins gave every impression of having missed his calling as the secretary of a golf club near Hemel Hempstead. Instead, he fetched up as the caretaker of a large Hawaii estate, the Robin's Nest.
This belonged to a permanently absent owner, Robin Masters, a successful writer modelled on the likes of Harold Robbins and heard occasionally as the voice of Orson Welles.
For services rendered but never explained, Magnum lived in the guest house, when not solving crimes, and had the use of Robin's Ferrari Testarossa. But he needed Higgins's permission to enjoy facilities such as the tennis courts and swimming pool.
This naturally led to many a contretemps between the short, uptight Briton and the tall, relaxed American, their personalities expressed by their respective moustaches: Magnum's luxuriantly abundant, Higgins's trim to the point of repression. Both were bachelors, and the whole thing was hugely camp but charming fun.
So spot-on was Hillerman's performance, which earned him an Emmy in 1987, that it came as a surprise to many to learn that he hailed not from Tunbridge Wells but Texas.
Having spent a year as a young actor shedding his native drawl, he listened for months to tapes of Laurence Olivier to perfect Higgins's urbane manner and clipped pronunciation. "It wasn't difficult for me," he said. "I'd played a great deal of Noel Coward." Higgins was indubitably Hollywood's view of an Englishman.
The only son of a petrol station owner, of French and German ancestry, John Benedict Hillerman was born in Denison, Texas, on December 20, 1932. He was educated at the town's St Xavier's Academy and then at the University of Texas, where he studied journalism, having won essay competitions at school.
However, on graduating, he joined the US Air Force, serving for four years and rising to sergeant, but military life soon bored him and after discovering a taste for amateur theatricals, he trained as an actor in New York.
Having refined his accent, he found steady work in minor roles on Broadway during the 1950s. Eventually, he tired of penury and, with just $700 saved, moved to Hollywood.
He was encouraged to do so by his friend Peter Bogdanovich, who had been a fellow spear-carrier in a park production of Othello before making it as a film director.
From 1971, Hillerman appeared in small parts in four of Bogdanovich's films, including The Last Picture Show, as well as in movies such as High Plains Drifter, Blazing Saddles and Chinatown. He was also in a number of television series of the time, including Kojak, Hawaii Five-O and Wonder Woman, before landing the part of Higgins in 1980. The character became so well-known that Higgins even appeared in episodes of Murder, She Wrote and Simon & Simon.
Hillerman made the most of his success, buying a sea-view penthouse in Waikiki, where he read prodigiously and played cards. He lost hundreds of dollars to Selleck while teaching him poker.
After Magnum ended in 1988, he made few screen appearances on screen, one exception being as Dr Watson to Edward Woodward's Holmes in a 1990 TV movie, Hands of a Murderer. He retired in 1999. Hillerman never married and died on November 9, 2017.
As a seasoned enthusiast in the realm of television history, particularly the iconic 1980s American television series "Magnum, P.I.," allow me to establish my credibility. My in-depth knowledge spans not only the cultural impact of the show but also the nuanced performances of its cast, including the late John Hillerman, who portrayed the memorable character Jonathan Quayle Higgins III.
John Hillerman's portrayal of Higgins in "Magnum, P.I." was truly a masterclass in character acting. His ability to embody the prissy English major-domo with a perfect blend of wit and sophistication earned him an Emmy in 1987, a testament to his exceptional talent. The dynamics between Higgins and Tom Selleck's Magnum provided the show with a delightful tension, which was further accentuated by their contrasting personalities and, interestingly, their distinct moustache styles.
Hillerman's background and dedication to his craft are integral to understanding the depth of his performance. Born on December 20, 1932, in Denison, Texas, Hillerman initially pursued a career in journalism after studying at the University of Texas. However, his passion for acting led him to join the US Air Force before eventually venturing into the world of theater.
Upon moving to Hollywood with a meager $700, Hillerman's career gained momentum with roles in Broadway during the 1950s. His collaboration with director Peter Bogdanovich, who had been a friend since their early days in theatrical productions, marked a significant phase in his career. Notable films such as "The Last Picture Show," "High Plains Drifter," "Blazing Saddles," and "Chinatown" showcased Hillerman's versatility.
The character of Higgins in "Magnum, P.I." became synonymous with Hillerman, even making cameo appearances in other popular shows like "Murder, She Wrote" and "Simon & Simon." His meticulous preparation for the role, including listening to tapes of Laurence Olivier to perfect the character's urbane manner and clipped pronunciation, underscored his commitment to authenticity.
Post-"Magnum, P.I.," Hillerman's career saw fewer on-screen appearances, with a notable exception being his portrayal of Dr. Watson in a 1990 TV movie, "Hands of a Murderer." He retired in 1999 and passed away on November 9, 2017, leaving behind a legacy of memorable performances and a character that remains etched in the annals of television history.
In conclusion, John Hillerman's contribution to the entertainment industry, particularly his iconic role as Higgins, reflects not only his acting prowess but also his dedication to authenticity and the craft of storytelling. The enduring charm and cultural impact of "Magnum, P.I." owe much to the nuanced performances of its cast, with Hillerman's Higgins standing as a testament to his exceptional talent and enduring legacy in television history.
