The Tragic Death That Changed ‘Barney Miller’

When Barney Miller premiered in 1975, it quickly distinguished itself from other shows of its era. The first workplace comedy about police officers, it has a unique, brisk comedic tone that set it apart — snappy banter among the cops inside their worn New York City precinct was one of its trademarks.

One of its main characters was Detective Sergeant Nick Yemana, played by Jack Soo, whose perfectly timed one-liners made him indispensable to the show’s rhythm. While he became a fan favorite, he was reportedly equally respected and admired on set for his professionalism and his kindness toward cast and crew.