John Benedict Hillerman ( born December 20 , 1932 ) is an American actor , known for his starring role as Jonathan Quayle Higgins III on the television show `` Magnum , P.I. '' Personal life .
John Benedict Hillerman ( born December 20 , 1932 in Denison , Texas ) is an American actor . He was known for his starring role as Jonathan Quayle Higgins III on the television show `` Magnum , P.I. '' .