# The Remarkable Career and Life of Television Icon Steven Hill - Canonical: https://33rdsquare.com/what-happened-to-steven-hill/ - Published: 2023-11-02 - Author: Nelson Ayers - Categories: [Basic knowledge & Meaning](https://33rdsquare.com/category/games/meaning/) --- Dear reader, Over an acting career that spanned an incredible six decades, Steven Hill originated two of television‘s most iconic and beloved roles – District Attorney Adam Schiff on the groundbreaking crime drama _Law & Order_, and Daniel Briggs, the original team leader of the Impossible Missions Force on _Mission: Impossible_. Through his nuanced performances, Hill became a legendary fixture of classic TV. However, his fierce creativity and dedication to his craft ultimately led him to depart both shows prematurely. In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll explore Steven Hill‘s upbringing, his rise to fame on Broadway, and his unforgettable portrayals of Schiff and Briggs. We‘ll also dive into the reasons he left those star-making roles, as well as his prolific career late into life. Join me as we pay tribute to a true television legend. ## From Solomon Krakovsky to Steven Hill: Early Life and Entry into Acting Born Solomon Krakovsky in 1922 to Russian Jewish immigrants in Seattle, Washington, the young Hill displayed an early passion for the arts. After serving his country in the Naval Reserve during World War II, he set his sights on becoming a professional actor. He moved to New York City where he began intense training at the legendary Actors Studio alongside classmates like Marlon Brando and Montgomery Clift, adopting the stage name Steven Hill. Hill‘s first major acting role came in the 1948 Broadway production of _"Mister Roberts"_ starring Henry Fonda. The hit naval comedy marked the start of a tremendously successful decade on the Great White Way for Hill. His breakout performance came in 1949, originating the harrowing role of Willy Loman in Arthur Miller‘s _"Death of a Salesman"_. According to theater critic Ken Tucker, “Hill brought such conviction to the part that he made Willy’s longings real to the audience.” In 1957, Hill achieved another career-defining Broadway triumph as Professor Harold Hill in the smash musical _"The Music Man"_, receiving a Tony Award nomination for his portrayal. ## Primetime Trailblazer: Steven Hill’s Iconic Role on _Mission: Impossible_ After finding success on the Broadway stage, the versatile Hill pivoted to television, starring as Daniel Briggs, the original leader of the Impossible Missions Force on CBS‘s _Mission: Impossible_. As one of the first major leading roles on American network TV played by a Jewish actor, Hill helped break cultural barriers. _Mission: Impossible_ debuted in 1966 as a complex, team-driven spy thriller. While today the show is best remembered for its iconic theme music and use of elaborate disguises, Hill brought a steely gravitas to the role of Briggs, establishing the tone for the cerebral series. According to television historians Mary and Robert Thompson, “It was Hill’s seriousness of purpose, the tone that he set that made much of _Mission: Impossible_ work as well as it did.” Despite being the show’s star, Hill left after completing the first season, replaced by Peter Graves as new IMF team leader Jim Phelps. His departure was due to both creative differences with the producers and his observance of Orthodox Judaism, which made the show’s demanding filming schedule challenging. **By the Numbers: Steven Hill‘s _Mission: Impossible_ Tenure** - 28 episodes filmed as Daniel Briggs - Nominated for Golden Globe for Best TV Star in 1967 - Ranked #20 in TV Guide‘s 2017 list of "TV‘s Greatest Super Spies" ## Triumph as District Attorney Adam Schiff on _Law & Order_ In 1990, Steven Hill found his most well-known part – the role of no-nonsense New York District Attorney Adam Schiff on NBC’s long-running crime drama _Law & Order_. As Schiff, Hill anchored the show for over 225 episodes and 10 seasons, providing a principled morality and gravitas in his oversight of the protagonists. Series creator Dick Wolf famously said, “Steven has an amazing range and depth as an actor, and he and his character were crucial to the success of _Law & Order_." Hill believed strongly in meticulous preparation, often spending hours studying his scenes and developing backstories for Schiff. According to fellow cast member Chris Noth, “He put so much thought into that character. His preparation was immaculate." Hill ultimately left _Law & Order_ in 2000 due to creative differences with Dick Wolf regarding the show‘s demanding taping schedule. He believed the quality of the material and performances required more preparation time than Wolf‘s rapid filming approach allowed. Their split was amicable, with Wolf praising Hill upon his departure. ## Still Starring Late Into Life: Hill’s Prolific Later Career After leaving his two most famous roles, Steven Hill remained extremely active in television and film, taking on 35 more diverse acting jobs over the next 16 years. He made notable appearances on shows like _CSI: Miami_, _30 Rock_, and _One Life to Live_. Reflecting on his late career resurgence, Hill told an interviewer in 2010 “I feel fortunate that I can still find opportunities at my age. I love this business." His final acting role before retiring in 2016 was a guest appearance on the acclaimed series _Chicago Hope_ at the incredible age of 94. In total, according to IMDB, Steven Hill appeared in over 35 television shows and 25 films, an amazing accomplishment for any actor. **Steven Hill‘s Acting Career By the Numbers:** - 66 total TV and film acting credits - 10 seasons as DA Adam Schiff on _Law & Order_ - 28 episodes as Daniel Briggs on _Mission: Impossible_ - Performed in over 20 Broadway plays ## Family Man and Creative Spirit: Hill‘s Personal Life In his personal life away from the screen, Steven Hill married twice, first to Selma Stern from 1951 until their amicable divorce in 1964. In 1967, he wed for a second time to Rachel Schenker. The two had five children during their marriage before divorcing in 1976. Hill did not remarry again but was romantically linked in 2015 to actress Christine Kelly. Outside of acting, Hill had wide-ranging interests including music, art, and writing. He published short fiction and advocated for the arts. After converting to Orthodox Judaism, religion played a central role in his life. Above all else though, Caryn James of the New York Times described Hill as “an actor dedicated to learning his craft.” His son Rabbi Yehoshua Hill affirmed, “To him, life was the doing, not the attainment." ## The Death of an Icon and Hill‘s Lasting Legacy On August 23, 2016, Steven Hill passed away peacefully at the age of 94 after a prolonged illness. With his passing, television lost one of its most prolific and dedicated actors. Equally comfortable in comedy and drama, Steven Hill portrayed some of the medium‘s most indelible personalities, breaking barriers for Jewish actors along the way. Both as a performer dedicated to his craft and a principled man who boldly stood up for creative excellence, Steven Hill left an extraordinary and lasting legacy across his 60+ year career. His portrayals of District Attorney Adam Schiff on _Law & Order_ and Daniel Briggs in _Mission: Impossible_ remain iconic, influential roles in television history. So in closing friend, I hope you‘ve enjoyed this fond look back on the amazing life and career of a true television legend in Steven Hill. His talents and contributions will not be forgotten. Sincerely, Lillie Gabler Home Improvement Expert --- Source: [The Remarkable Career and Life of Television Icon Steven Hill](https://33rdsquare.com/what-happened-to-steven-hill/)