Actor Scott Hylands, star of “Night Heat”, dies at 83

Canadian actor Scott Hylands died on July 29, 2026, at age 83. His son, cinematographer Luke Hylands, announced the death on Instagram, describing his father as a “forever hero and best friend.” Hylands had been diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia in 2021, though it was not confirmed that the illness caused his death.

Born in Lethbridge, Alberta, in 1943, Hylands studied zoology before switching to theatre arts at the University of British Columbia. He moved to New York, debuted off‑Broadway in 1965, and later joined the American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco. His screen debut came in 1969’s *Daddy’s Gone A‑Hunting*. He became best known for playing Detective Kevin “O.B.” O’Brien on the Canadian police drama *Night Heat* (1985‑89), the first original Canadian series to air simultaneously in the United States. He also appeared in *Fargo* (season 3), *The X‑Files*, *Supernatural*, and his final role was in *Wynonna Earp* (2020).

Hylands is survived by his wife Veronica, his son Luke and daughter Rebecca. Colleagues and fans remembered him as a versatile character actor who worked across Canada and the United States for more than five decades.