Every hero needs a sidekick. Whether that sidekick is the voice of reason, comedic relief, or just a trusted friend in the face of danger, all of our heroes have them. I guess Thomas Magnum played by actor Tom Selleck in the 1980's TV series Magnum P.I. wasn't really a hero but he was a good guy and he did have a sidekick.

The man who played Magnum's landlord, sidekick, a voice of reason, and comedic foil, John Hillerman has died. The character of British Army Sergeant Major Jonathan Quayle Higgins III was the perfect accouterment to Selleck's private investigator character.

Where Magnum was casual, laid back, and at times not so smart, Higgins was stuffy, on point, and always a step ahead. The chemistry between the characters on the show made for great television.

Hillerman was nominated in the role of Jonathon Quayle Higgins for prime time Emmy awards in 1984,1985, and 1986 before finally winning the Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series in 1987.

Although his character had a distinctly British accent, Hillerman was from Dennison Texas. He also made appearances on other popular television series such as The Love Boat, The Betty White Show, One Day At A Time, and Murder, She Wrote.

John Hillerman also had many appearances in movies including a very memorable performance in the Mel Brooks comedy, Blazing Saddles

Hillerman died at his home in Houston, Texas late Thursday. He was 84.

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