Michael Conrad

'Michael Conrad' (qv) was a powerfully built and toweringly tall New York-born American character actor, best known for his role as the pompous but beloved desk sergeant Phil Esterhaus on _Hill Street Blues (1981)_ (qv), for which he won two Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series Emmy 'Awards' (qv) (1981, 1982). He also played Michael Stivic ('Rob Reiner' (qv))'s uncle on an early episode of _All in the Family (1971)_ (qv), who objects to his nephew's non-religious marriage ceremony to a non-Catholic. Conrad made his television debut in 1955, and remained busy for almost 30 years, appearing in 25 TV movies. He was a familiar supporting player in movies, including _The Longest Yard (1974)_ (qv), and, early in his career, on stage. Conrad died from urethral cancer during the shooting of the police drama's fourth season, five weeks after his 58th birthday.::Jon C. Hopwood/Robert Sieger