Tony-Winner Barnard Hughes Dies At 90

Barnard Hughes, who won a Tony for his portrayal of the curmudgeonly title character in Hugh Leonard's "Da," has died after a brief illness. He was 90.

Hughes died Tuesday at New York Presbyterian Hospital, said Chris Boneau, a spokesman for Hughes' family.

The actor, along with wife Helen Stenborg, were veterans of the New York stage. Hughes made his Broadway debut in "Herself Mrs. Patrick Crowley" in 1935, but it was "Da," some 43 years later, that made him a star and won him the best-actor Tony. He also starred in the 1988 film version of the Tony-winning play.

Hughes' other major Broadway credits ranged from "A Majority of One" (1959) to a "Prelude to a Kiss" (1990). He received a featured-actor Tony nomination in 1973 for his performance as Dogberry in the New York Shakespeare Festival's revival of "Much Ado About Nothing."

His many movies credits include "Midnight Cowboy," "The Lost Boys," and "Doc Hollywood."

Hughes also worked extensively in the early days of television, appearing on such shows as "Playhouse 90," "Kraft Theatre" and "Armstrong Circle Theatre." He also starred on such TV series as "Doc," "Mr. Merlin," "The Cavanaughs" and "Blossom." He won an Emmy in 1977 for a guest-starring stint on "Lou Grant."