Taurean Blacque, Star of Hill Street Blues, passes away at 82

The renowned American television and stage actor, Taurean Blacque, has passed away at the age of 82. He was best known for his portrayal of Detective Neal Washington on the series Hill Street Blues.

Blacque’s family confirmed to Deadline that he passed away on Thursday, July 21, in Atlanta after a brief illness.

Rodney Middleton, his son, posted on Facebook to confirm the news stating, “Thank you all for your prayers, calls, and texts to me and my family. My father passed away today At 2:52 pm est.”

Born Herbert Middleton Jr., Blacque started his acting career in the 1970s and continued for the next five decades, making appearances on television and stage.

Blacque’s portrayal of Detective Neal Washington in all seven seasons of Hill Street Blues brought him widespread recognition and even earned him a Primetime Emmy nomination.

Apart from his acting career in television and film, Blacque was also known for being a public advocate for adoption. He had two biological children and adopted eleven others, and was appointed as the national spokesperson for adoption by President George H.W. Bush in 1989.

Blacque is survived by 12 children, 18 grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren.

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