Veteran Canadian actor Scott Hylands, best known for playing detective Kevin “O.B.” O’Brien in the 1980s police drama Night Heat, has died. He was 83, reports Page Six.
The news was confirmed by his son, Luke Hylands, who announced on Instagram that the actor died on Wednesday night.
“I am heartbroken to share the news that my Dad Scott has passed away Wednesday night,” Luke wrote, adding that the family was “still trying to process this horrible loss.”
Calling his father his “forever hero and best friend,” Luke paid tribute to Hylands as a husband, father, actor, director, writer and storyteller.
“There simply are not enough words I can say about you right now,” he wrote. “Always and forever. I love you. Goodbye Dad.”
Hylands was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia in October 2021.
During his treatment, his wife Veronica Hylands launched a GoFundMe campaign to help cover medical expenses, explaining that despite his successful acting career, he continued working because television actors from that era often did not receive substantial residual income.
She described the diagnosis as overwhelming for the family and said they did not live a lavish lifestyle.
Hylands was best known for portraying veteran detective Kevin “O.B.” O’Brien in Night Heat, which aired from 1985 to 1989 on CTV in Canada and CBS in the United States.
The crime drama also starred Jeff Wincott, Allan Royal, Sean McCann, Eugene Clark and Susan Hogan.
Throughout a career spanning more than five decades, Hylands appeared in numerous popular television series, including NYPD Blue, The X-Files, V, Supernatural, Fargo, and Wynonna Earp, which marked his final on-screen role in 2020.
His film credits included Daddy’s Gone A-Hunting (1969), Earthquake, Bittersweet Love, and Rememory.
Scott Hylands is survived by his wife Veronica, son Luke, and daughter Rebecca.
