Scott Hylands, the Canadian character actor best known for playing Detective Kevin “OB” O’Brien in the crime drama Night Heat, died on July 29, 2026. He was 83.
His son, cinematographer Luke Hylands, confirmed the death in an Instagram post, describing his father as his hero forever and best friend, and saying the family was still trying to process the loss. Several reports indicate Hylands had been battling cancer; he was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia in October 2021.
Born in Lethbridge, Alberta, on February 27, 1943, Hylands studied zoology at the University of British Columbia before turning to the arts. He moved to New York and made his off-Broadway debut in 1965 in Billy Liar, then worked with the American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco before moving into screen roles.
His film credits included Earthquake (1974) and The Boys in Company “C” (1978). On television, he starred in Night Heat (CTV/CBS, 1985-1989) and appeared in V (ABC, 2009-2011), with notable guest roles in The X-Files, Fargo, Supernatural, and Stargate SG-1. The Hollywood Reporter first announced his death.
