Los Angeles, Jan 19 (AZINS) Actor George Dickerson, who played police detective John Williams in David Lynch's "Blue Velvet," has died. He was 81.

Dickerson's son Dome Karukoski broke the news in a Facebook post, according to which the actor died Jan 10 after battling a long illness. He was living in New York, reports variety.com.

Dickerson, who was also known for a recurring role as Police Commander Swanson on the first season of "Hill Street Blues", starred alongside Kyle MacLachlan in "Blue Velvet".

Before acting, Dickerson had a versatile writing career, working as a poet, magazine writer, playwright and editor. He also served as a speechwriter for US Congressman Robert Steele, and as a United Nations diplomat in Lebanon.

Dickerson's film credits include "No Mercy", "Psycho II", "A Stranger in the Kingdom" and "Death Wish 4: The Crackdown".