Taurean Blacque Cause of Death Mysterious: Did 'Hill Street Blues' Star Suffer Health Issue?
Was Taurean Blacque's cause of death health-related?
Hollywood is mourning after Blacque's family confirmed the saddening passing of the actor. He famously played the role of Det. Neal Washington on seven seasons of "Hill Street Blues."
According to his bereaved loved ones, he died on Thursday in Atlanta.
The Hollywood Reporter also divulged Taurean Blacque's cause of death, saying that he passed away at the age of 82 after a brief illness. It was not disclosed what particular illness he suffered from.
After the release of the news, his colleagues and fans paid tribute to him through online posts on their social media accounts.
Well, this is just lousy news.
Detective Neal Washington was a smart, cool, classy character on one of the best and most groundbreaking shows in history.
Taurean Blacque was a terrific actor, and his portrayal on the Hill is not to be forgotten. https://t.co/R49yilg0CY— ACPressCharles (@ACPressCharles) July 22, 2022
One said, "I am saddened right now. Taurean Blacque made the transition to the Ancestors at the age of 82. I cannot believe it. He was the first Henry Marshall on Generations #RIPTaureanBlacque #HenryMarshall #Generations."
Taurean Blacque, Emmy-nominated Hill Street Blues actor, dies at 82 - Entertainment Weekly. RIP. He was incredible on Hill Street Blues. One of my all time favorites. https://t.co/Xio9wxL9rF
— Judd Apatow 🇺🇦 (@JuddApatow) July 22, 2022
Taurean Blacque's Legacy
Blacque started his career by joining the Negro Ensemble Company in New York. From there, he landed on several TV shows like "The Bob New Hart Show," "Good Times," "Taxi," "What's Happening," and "Sanford and Son."
But among the titles he worked on, "Hill Street Blues" became his biggest breakthrough. In the show, he played the role of detective Neal Washington from 1981 to 1987. In 1981, he scored an Emmy nomination for best supporting actor in a drama series for his role.
In 2016, he told The Guardian that Gregory Hoblit chose him to say "Previously on Hill Street Blues" over clips of the previous episodes since they "liked" his melodic voice.
His other works included "House calls," "So Nice, They Named It Twice," "Rocky II," and "Oliver & Company."
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In the years thereafter, he also shared his talent on the NBC soap opera "Generations." Outside TV career, Blacque's became an active member of the Atlanta Black Theater Company and the Black Theater Festival in North Carolina.
He once explained the story behind his stage name, telling Playboy magazine how he came up with Blacque.
"My heritage is black - spelled Q-U-E - and I'm a Taurus. I decided I needed a name change I could relate to. It looks good on a marquee and never fails to get attention in casting offices," he said.
Meanwhile, he was also famous for becoming the national spokesperson for adoption after then-President George H.W. Bush asked him to fill the position.
He had had two biological sons and adopted 11 children.
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