‘Hill Street Blues’ actor Taurean Blacque dead at 82

ATLANTA — Taurean Blacque, known for his role as a detective on the 1980s drama series “Hill Street Blues,” has died at 82.

Blacque died in Atlanta following a brief illness on Thursday, according to a statement obtained by The Associated Press. His family did not disclose the exact cause of death.

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Blacque, whose birth name was Herbert Middleton Jr., was born in Newark, New Jersey. He later trained at New Federal Theatre in New York City. His training helped him secure guest roles on television series including “Sanford and Son,” “What’s Happening,” “Good Times,” “Taxi” and “The Bob Newhart Show.”

According to AP, Blacque joined the “Hill Street Blues” cast, where he played detective Neal Washington. He earned an Emmy nomination for best supporting actor in a drama series in 1981. Blacque was on during the show’s entire run between 1981-1987.

In 1989, Blacque was asked by President George H.W. Bush to become the national spokesperson for adoption.

He was survived by 12 children, 18 grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.

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