Remember when television cops were larger than life? Back in the ’70s and ’80s, our screens were filled with hard-nosed detectives who could solve any case, chase down any bad guy, and deliver justice with a perfectly timed one-liner. These weren’t just characters—they were icons who made us believe that good always triumphed over evil, even if it took a high-speed chase and a few explosions along the way.
1. Tom Selleck – Thomas Magnum from “Magnum P.I.” (1980-1988)
That magnificent mustache and those Hawaiian shirts made Tom Selleck the epitome of cool in the Reagan era. After “Magnum P.I.” wrapped up, Selleck proved he wasn’t just a pretty face by taking on diverse roles that showcased his dramatic chops. He became a fixture in Western films and later found television gold again with “Blue Bloods,” where he trades tropical beaches for New York City streets as Police Commissioner Frank Reagan. Remarkably, People reports that Selleck was not a fan of his early days of fame thanks to this show.
The Ferrari may be gone, but Selleck’s charm certainly isn’t. At 79, he’s still commanding the screen and proving that good guys really do finish first. His transition from private investigator to family patriarch on “Blue Bloods” has introduced him to a whole new generation of fans who appreciate his steady, no-nonsense approach to both acting and life.
2. David Soul – Ken “Hutch” Hutchinson from “Starsky & Hutch” (1975-1979)
The blond half of television’s most famous detective duo, David Soul captured hearts with his sensitive approach to police work and those unforgettable sweaters. After the red Gran Torino was parked for good, Soul surprised many by pursuing a successful music career, even scoring hit singles in the UK. He later moved to England permanently, where he continued acting in television dramas and stage productions, far from the glitz of Hollywood. The Guardian credits Soul with putting a cool, suave face to the crime drama genre.
Soul’s later years were marked by his commitment to serious dramatic roles and his work as a director. He passed away in 2024 at age 80, leaving behind a legacy that proved he was much more than just half of a famous partnership. His journey from American television icon to respected British actor showed the depth that many fans always suspected lay beneath that California cool exterior.
3. Paul Michael Glaser – Dave Starsky from “Starsky & Hutch” (1975-1979)
Paul Michael Glaser brought an intensity to Detective Starsky that made him the perfect foil to Soul’s more laid-back Hutch. The curly-haired dynamo became synonymous with that iconic red and white Ford Gran Torino, but his post-“Starsky” career took an unexpected turn toward directing. He helmed several successful films, including “The Running Man” with Arnold Schwarzenegger, proving he had serious chops behind the camera. Closer Weekly offers a deep retrospective about Glaser’s remarkable career and personal life.
Tragedy struck Glaser’s personal life when his wife and daughter contracted HIV through a blood transfusion, leading him to become a passionate advocate for AIDS research and awareness. His work with the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation has saved countless lives and shown a different kind of heroism than his television persona ever displayed. Now in his 80s, Glaser continues to act occasionally while focusing on his humanitarian efforts and art—he’s become quite the accomplished painter.
4. Dennis Franz – Andy Sipowicz from “NYPD Blue” (1993-2005) / Norman Buntz from “Hill Street Blues” (1985-1987)
Though “NYPD Blue” technically started in the ’90s, Dennis Franz earned his stripes in the ’80s as the corrupt Detective Norman Buntz on “Hill Street Blues.” His portrayal of the morally ambiguous cop was so compelling that it led directly to his career-defining role as Andy Sipowicz, a character who evolved from racist and bitter to one of television’s most complex and beloved detectives. Franz won four Emmy Awards for bringing depth and humanity to a character who could have easily been just another stereotype.
After “NYPD Blue” ended its 12-season run, Franz largely stepped away from the spotlight, choosing family life over Hollywood’s demands. He’s made only occasional appearances since then, preferring to enjoy his well-earned retirement and the fruits of a career that redefined what television police officers could be. His transformation of Sipowicz from villain to hero remains one of the medium’s greatest character arcs.
5. Telly Savalas – Theo Kojak from “Kojak” (1973-1978)
“Who loves ya, baby?” became the catchphrase of the decade thanks to Telly Savalas and his lollipop-sucking Detective Kojak. The bald, tough-talking New York cop with the distinctive voice made Savalas a household name and earned him an Emmy Award. After “Kojak” ended, Savalas continued working steadily in both television and film, often playing villains and tough guys who capitalized on his naturally intimidating presence.
Savalas remained active in entertainment until his death in 1994, even reprising his Kojak role in several TV movies during the late ’80s and early ’90s. His distinctive look and gravelly voice made him instantly recognizable, and he embraced his status as a pop culture icon. The lollipops and the catchphrase lived on long after the show ended, cementing his place in television history as one of the most memorable cops ever to grace the small screen.
6. William Conrad – Frank Cannon from “Cannon” (1971-1976)
William Conrad’s Detective Frank Cannon broke the mold of what a television detective could look like—here was a heavy-set investigator who solved cases through intelligence rather than physical prowess. Conrad’s commanding voice and presence made Cannon compelling viewing, and he proved that brain power could be just as exciting as brawn. The show ran for five successful seasons and spawned several TV movies, establishing Conrad as a television stalwart.
After “Cannon,” Conrad became even more famous as the narrator of “The Incredible Hulk” and later starred in “Jake in Progress” as district attorney Jason Lochinvar “J.L.” McCabe. His distinctive voice work continued throughout his career, lending gravitas to countless documentaries and commercials. Conrad passed away in 1994, but his contributions to television extended far beyond just playing tough guys—he was also a director and producer who helped shape the medium during its golden age.
7. Karl Malden – Mike Stone from “The Streets of San Francisco” (1972-1977)
Karl Malden brought gravitas and authenticity to Detective Lieutenant Mike Stone, mentoring a young Michael Douglas in what became one of the ’70s most beloved police procedurals. Malden’s weathered face and no-nonsense approach to police work made him the perfect paternal figure, and his chemistry with Douglas helped ground the show’s more dramatic moments. His performance earned him respect from both critics and audiences who appreciated his understated but powerful acting style.
After “Streets” ended, Malden continued working steadily in both television and film, though he became equally famous for his American Express commercials with the tagline “Don’t leave home without it.” He remained active well into his 90s, earning lifetime achievement awards and recognition for his contributions to American cinema. Malden passed away in 2009 at age 97, leaving behind a legacy that spanned from Broadway to Hollywood to television, proving that true talent never goes out of style.
8. James Garner – Jim Rockford from “The Rockford Files” (1974-1980)
James Garner’s Jim Rockford wasn’t your typical tough guy—he was a reluctant private investigator who preferred charm and wit to violence, living in a trailer on the beach and charging $200 a day plus expenses. Garner’s natural likability and perfect comedic timing made Rockford one of television’s most endearing characters, and the show’s blend of humor and drama set it apart from other detective series of the era. The famous answering machine messages that opened each episode became as iconic as Garner himself.
After “Rockford,” Garner continued to work steadily in both television and film, starring in movies like “Victor Victoria” and later “The Notebook,” proving his appeal transcended generations. He occasionally returned to television with series like “8 Simple Rules” and various TV movies, always bringing his trademark warmth and humor to every role. Garner passed away in 2014 at age 86, mourned by fans who appreciated his everyman approach to heroism and his ability to make even the toughest situations seem manageable with the right attitude.
9. Peter Falk – Lieutenant Columbo from “Columbo” (1971-1978, 1989-2003)
Peter Falk’s rumpled Lieutenant Columbo revolutionized the detective genre by showing us the investigation from the criminal’s perspective, then watching as the seemingly bumbling detective slowly closed the net. Falk’s “just one more thing” became television’s most famous detective catchphrase, and his method of appearing harmless while being absolutely brilliant made Columbo a unique viewing experience. The show’s format of showing the crime first, then the investigation, was innovative and kept audiences engaged in a completely different way.
Falk continued playing Columbo sporadically for over three decades, with the character becoming so associated with the actor that it was impossible to imagine anyone else in the role. Beyond Columbo, Falk had a distinguished film career, earning Oscar nominations and working with directors like John Cassavetes in groundbreaking independent films. He passed away in 2011 at age 83, but Columbo remains timeless—still solving cases on cable reruns and introducing new generations to the art of subtle detection.
10. Don Johnson – James “Sonny” Crockett from “Miami Vice” (1984-1989)
Don Johnson’s Sonny Crockett epitomized ’80s cool with his pastel suits, no-socks look, and pet alligator named Elvis. “Miami Vice” wasn’t just a cop show—it was a cultural phenomenon that influenced fashion, music, and the very idea of what television could be visually. Johnson’s portrayal of the undercover detective living the high life while fighting drug dealers made him a global icon and launched a thousand imitators.
After “Miami Vice” ended, Johnson continued acting in various television series and films, including a notable run on “Nash Bridges” in the ’90s where he played another unconventional cop. He’s remained active in recent years with appearances in films like “Django Unchained” and the series “Watchmen,” proving that his appeal extends far beyond the neon-soaked ’80s. At 74, Johnson still carries himself with that unmistakable swagger that made Crockett a legend, and his influence on pop culture continues to ripple through fashion and entertainment.
11. Philip Michael Thomas – Ricardo “Rico” Tubbs from “Miami Vice” (1984-1989)
Philip Michael Thomas brought New York street smarts to Miami’s glamorous underworld as Rico Tubbs, Crockett’s partner and perfect complement. Thomas’s portrayal of the sophisticated detective from the Bronx added depth and authenticity to “Miami Vice’s” stylized world, and his chemistry with Don Johnson helped make the show appointment television. His character’s backstory as a former New York cop seeking his brother’s killer gave the series its emotional anchor amid all the style and flash.
After “Miami Vice,” Thomas largely stepped away from the spotlight, making occasional appearances in television and film but never quite recapturing the magic of his Tubbs years. He’s remained active in music and smaller acting projects, preferring a quieter life away from Hollywood’s demands. Unlike his on-screen partner Johnson, Thomas chose to let “Miami Vice” stand as his legacy, occasionally appearing at fan conventions where he’s warmly received by audiences who remember when he and Crockett ruled Friday nights.
12. Edward James Olmos – Lieutenant Martin Castillo from “Miami Vice” (1984-1989)
Edward James Olmos brought a quiet intensity to Lieutenant Martin Castillo that made him the perfect commanding officer for Crockett and Tubbs’ wild adventures. His minimalist performance style and mysterious backstory made Castillo one of television’s most compelling supporting characters, and Olmos earned an Emmy Award for his portrayal. The character’s calm demeanor and hidden depths provided a steady anchor for the show’s more flamboyant elements.
After “Miami Vice,” Olmos continued to build an impressive career in both television and film, starring in “Battlestar Galactica” as Admiral Adama and earning critical acclaim for his work in films like “Stand and Deliver.” He’s remained active as both an actor and director, often focusing on projects that highlight Latino culture and social issues. At 77, Olmos continues to work steadily, bringing the same intensity and professionalism to every role that made Lieutenant Castillo so memorable to “Miami Vice” fans.
Those were the days when television cops felt like real heroes, weren’t they? These actors didn’t just play tough guys—they embodied a certain kind of American ideal that mixed justice with humanity, strength with vulnerability. While the world has changed dramatically since those classic shows first aired, the appeal of these characters and the talented actors who brought them to life remains timeless, reminding us that sometimes the good old days really were pretty good.
