New York, Jan 18 (IANS): Actor George Dickerson, popular for playing police detective John Williams in the 1986 film "Blue Velvet", died at the age of 81.

Dickerson's son, writer-director Dome Karukoski, announced the news on his official Facebook page, reports hollywoodreporter.com.

According to Karukoski, Dickerson passed away on Jan 10 after a long illness. He had been living here.

Dickerson played a recurring role as Police Commander Swanson in the first season of the acclaimed 1980's cop drama "Hill Street Blues".

Before turning to acting, Dickerson worked as a magazine writer, poet, editor and playwright; was a United Nations diplomat in Lebanon; and served as a speechwriter for US Congressman Robert Steele.

Dickerson also appeared in the films "Psycho II", "No Mercy", "Death Wish 4: The Crackdown" and "A Stranger in the Kingdom".

He was also a part of the TV series "The Incredible Hulk", "Little House on the Prairie", "Miami Vice", "Hunter", "Three’s Company”, “Father Murphy”, “Sledge Hammer!” and “L.A. Law”.