How Did Taurean Blacque Die? Emmy-Nominated Hill Street Blues Actor’s Cause of Death Explained

Taurean Blacque, veteran American television and stage actor, died today following a brief illness. He was 82 years old. His family announced the tragic news of his death in a statement via AP. Find out how did Taurean Blacque die and what illness he had that led to his death.

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Taurean Blacque was best known for his role as Detective Neal Washington on Hill Street Blues. He starred in all seven seasons of the popular NBC cop show alongside Michael Warren, Daniel J. Travanti, Charles Haid, Michael Conrad, and Bruce Weitz.

Hill Street Blues ran from 1981 to 1987 and helped Blacque get an Emmy nomination for “Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Drama Series” in 1982. All five nominees in the category came from the same show that year.

Blacque’s next notable appearance came in the NBC daytime soap opera “Generations.” He played Henry Marshall in the show and starred with Vivica A. Fox. It was the first series in history to include a Black family as part of the main storyline from the start.


How did Taurean Blacque die?

Taurean Blacque died on Thursday at his home in Atlanta as per the statement from his family. He had been suffering from a brief illness. However, the specific illness isn’t announced. His old age also played a role in the deterioration of his health.

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The veteran actor was undergoing treatment for the brief illness but, unfortunately, he couldn’t recover and passed away. His son, Rodney Middleton, also confirmed his death with a Facebook post.

“Thank you all for your prayers,calls and texts to me and my family.
My father pass away today
At 2:52 pm est,” he wrote.


What illness did Taurean Blacque have?

Taurean Blacque reportedly had a short-term critical illness that led to the departure of his soul from his body. However, his family didn’t provide further details on which illness it was and how long had he been suffering from it.

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Once we receive more information about Blacque’s passing, we’ll update this post to inform you.


Who was Taurean Blacque? Early Life & Career

Taurean Blacque was born on May 10, 1940, in Newark, N.J. as Herbert Middleton Jr. He went on to change his name to “Taurean Blacque” as a reflection of his zodiac sign Taurus and his race. He started his career training at the New Federal Theater in New York.

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Blacque then guest starred on several hit ‘70s shows such as The Bob Newhart Show, Sanford and Son, Charlie’s Angles, and Taxi. He played a lawyer in 1979’s Rocky II. After this, he got his breakthrough role of Det. Neal Washington in 1981.

He continued to be among the 10 permanent casts of the show when it ended in 1987. After that, Blacque continued his work on TV, mostly playing policemen, and on stage, especially in Atlanta. He featured in Generations from 1989 to 1991. He also had a lead role in 1989’s Sci-Fi DeepStar Six.


Taurean Blacque is survived by his children and grandchildren

Taurean Blacque is survived by his 12 children, 18 grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren. He had two biological sons and adopted 11 children. Blacque was a staunch advocate for adoption.

He also became the spokesman for the county of Los Angeles Adoption Service. The then-President George H.W. Bush asked him to be the national spokesman of adoption in 1989.

The world remembers Taurean Blacque as a humble and kind man. We’d like to pay condolences towards the departed soul. May God let him rest in peace and offer strength to his family and dear ones.