George Dickerson, ‘Blue Velvet’ Actor, Dies At 81

George Dickerson, best known for his roles in David Lynch’s Blue Velvet and NBC’s Hill Street Blues, has died. His son, Dome Karukoski, announced the death on Facebook, saying his father died January 10 after a long illness. A writer and poet, Dickerson began his acting career later in life. He played Detective Williams in 1986’s Blue Velvet, alongside Kyle MacLachlan and Laura Dern. Dickerson had leading roles in other films including Death Wish 4: The Crackdown, Psycho II, and After Dark, My Sweet. On the TV side, he played Police Commander Swanson in 1980s NBC police drama Hill Street Blues. Dickerson also had a featured role on soap Search For Tomorrow and guest starred on shows such as A Man Called Sloane (1979) Three’s Company, Charlie’s Angels, Little House On The Prairie, L.A. Law, and Sledge Hammer!.

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