Steven Bochco at a Glance
Steven Bochco: A Television Titan’s Net Worth, Legacy, and Life
Introduction: The Legacy of Steven Bochco
Steven Bochco (1943-2018) was more than just a television writer and producer; he was a visionary who redefined the landscape of American television. With a career spanning several decades, Bochco created and produced some of the most iconic and influential television series of all time. This article delves into the life, career, and net worth of Steven Bochco, exploring his impact on the industry and the legacy he left behind. He was a pioneer in the television industry, known for his innovative storytelling, complex characters, and willingness to tackle controversial social issues.
Early Life and Education
Born Steven Ronald Bochco Masterson on December 16, 1943, in New York City, Bochco’s upbringing was steeped in the arts. His parents, Mimi and Rudolph Bochco, fostered his creative inclinations. His mother was a painter, and his father was a concert violinist. His older sister, Joanna, also pursued a career in acting. As a teenager, he attended the prestigious High School of Music & Art in Manhattan, nurturing his early artistic talents. Bochco later attended the Carnegie Institute of Technology (now Carnegie Mellon University) in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he studied theater, graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in 1966. This foundation in theater proved crucial in shaping his storytelling abilities and understanding of character development.
Career Beginnings and Early Success
Bochco’s career began at Universal Pictures, where he honed his skills as a writer and story editor. During his time there, he contributed to several popular television crime dramas, including “Columbo,” “Ironside,” and “McMillan & Wife.” He also worked on the science fiction film “Silent Running,” co-writing the script with Michael Cimino and Deric Washburn. Bochco’s early work showcased his versatility and his ability to craft compelling narratives across different genres. In 1978, he joined MTM Enterprises, where he created the CBS police procedural series “Paris,” starring James Earl Jones, marking his first venture as a creator.
“Hill Street Blues”: A Groundbreaking Success
In 1981, Steven Bochco achieved his breakthrough with “Hill Street Blues,” co-created with Michael Kozoll. This police procedural series revolutionized television with its ensemble cast, gritty realism, and serialized storytelling. The show’s innovative format, featuring multiple overlapping storylines and complex character arcs, set a new standard for television drama. “Hill Street Blues” was an immediate critical and commercial success, winning eight Emmy Awards in its first season, including Outstanding Drama Series. The show continued to dominate the awards circuit, winning Outstanding Drama Series for three consecutive years. “Hill Street Blues” ran for seven seasons, leaving an indelible mark on television history.
“L.A. Law”: The Rise of a Legal Drama Icon
After a brief setback with “Bay City Blues,” Bochco found his next major success with “L.A. Law,” co-created with Terry Louise Fisher. This legal drama, which premiered in 1986 on NBC, was known for its ensemble cast, intricate writing, and exploration of social issues. “L.A. Law” tackled complex themes such as racism, homophobia, and domestic violence, challenging viewers and sparking important conversations. The show ran for eight seasons, from 1986 to 1994, and earned Bochco three Emmy Awards during its run, including two for Outstanding Drama Series. The series solidified Bochco’s reputation as a master storyteller and a creator of groundbreaking television.
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Steven Bochco Productions and Diversification
Following the success of “L.A. Law,” Bochco established his own production company, Steven Bochco Productions. This allowed him greater creative control over his projects and the opportunity to explore a wider range of genres. His first show under his production banner was “Doogie Howser, M.D.,” a medical sitcom starring Neil Patrick Harris as a teenage doctor. The show was a hit, running for four seasons from 1989 to 1993. Bochco also ventured into other genres, co-creating the police procedural musical series “Cop Rock” and the animated series “Capitol Critters.” While these projects were not as successful as his previous work, they demonstrated his willingness to experiment and take risks.
“NYPD Blue”: A Critical and Commercial Triumph
Bochco achieved another major success with “NYPD Blue,” co-created with David Milch. This police procedural series, which premiered in 1993, was known for its gritty realism, explicit language, and complex characters. “NYPD Blue” pushed the boundaries of network television, earning critical acclaim and a large audience. The show ran for an incredible 12 seasons, from 1993 to 2005, and earned Bochco an Emmy Award and two Peabody Awards. The series’ success cemented Bochco’s status as a television icon.
Bochco continued to create and produce television series throughout the 1990s and 2000s, including “Murder One,” “Brooklyn South,” “City of Angels,” “Philly,” and “Over There.” While these shows did not achieve the same level of success as his earlier work, they demonstrated his continued dedication to innovative storytelling. In 2005, Bochco took control of the political drama series “Commander in Chief,” but he soon left the show due to creative differences. His later work included the TNT legal dramas “Raising the Bar” and “Murder in the First.”
Later Career and Final Projects
In the later years of his career, Bochco continued to be involved in television production. His final shows, “Raising the Bar” and “Murder in the First,” offered a glimpse into his enduring passion for the medium. “Raising the Bar,” a legal drama co-created with David Feige, was canceled after two seasons. “Murder in the First,” another TNT series co-created with Eric Lodal, ran for three seasons from 2014 to 2016. These projects reflected Bochco’s continued interest in legal and crime dramas, offering a fitting conclusion to his illustrious career.
Personal Life and Family
Steven Bochco’s personal life included three marriages. His first marriage was to Gabrielle Levin, from 1964 until their divorce in 1969. In 1970, he married actress Barbara Bosson, and they divorced in 1997. His third and final marriage was to television executive Dayna Kalins, which lasted from 2000 until his death in 2018. Bochco had three children, including television director and producer Jesse Bochco. His personal life, including his marriages and family, reflects the complexities and dedication that also characterized his professional endeavors.
Real Estate and Final Years
At the time of his death, Steven Bochco’s primary residence was a nearly 11,000-square-foot mansion in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles. This property, dating back to the 1930s, had previously been occupied by Sylvester Stallone in the 1970s. Bochco acquired the property in 1997. The family sold the property in August 2023 for $24.95 million. This home provided a setting for his personal life and reflected his success in the entertainment industry.
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Steven Bochco’s Net Worth at the Time of His Death
At the time of his death on April 1, 2018, Steven Bochco’s net worth was estimated to be $150 million. This substantial net worth reflected his remarkable success in the television industry. His earnings came from his role as a writer, producer, and creator of numerous successful television series. His innovative approach to storytelling, his ability to create compelling characters, and his willingness to tackle complex social issues made his shows highly valued and lucrative. Bochco’s financial success was a testament to his talent and his impact on the entertainment industry.
Legacy and Impact
Steven Bochco’s legacy extends far beyond his impressive net worth. He is remembered as a pioneer who transformed the television landscape. His innovative storytelling techniques, including serialized narratives, complex characters, and the exploration of controversial issues, set a new standard for television drama. His work influenced generations of writers, producers, and showrunners. Bochco’s impact on the industry is undeniable, and his series continue to be watched and admired by audiences around the world. His contributions to television have cemented his place as one of the most influential figures in the history of American television, and his work continues to inspire and entertain audiences.