Hill Street Blues actor Taurean Blacque has passed away aged 82 following a brief illness, it has been reported.
The actor - born Herbert Middleton Jr. - is said to have died yesterday (July 21) in Atlanta following an undisclosed illness, with his family confirming the news to Deadline.
Over the course of his decades-long career, Taurean starred in various projects from soap operas to a horror film and had been a national spokesperson for adoption.
He's best known for playing Detective Neal Washington in the TV series Hill Street Blues, appearing in the police procedural throughout its entire run from 1981 to 1987.
The critically acclaimed show - which also included Daniel J. Travanti, Kiel Martin and Veronica Hamel among its cast - followed officers at a police station in an unnamed city.
Taurean's performance on the NBC show saw him earn an Emmy nomination in 1982 for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series. The show won numerous Emmys.
His other credits include roles in shows like The Bob Newhart Show, Charlie's Angels and Taxi. He also starred in soap operas Generations (1989) and Savannah (1996 to 1997).
He had also worked on several films during his career, including playing a lawyer in Rocky II (1979). He later voiced Roscoe in the animated film Oliver & Company (1988).
Taurean - who had a lead role in science-fiction horror DeepStar Six in 1989 - had continued to act in recent years, though didn't take on as many projects as he previously had.
Tributes have now been paid to him, with producer and director Judd Apatow writing on Twitter: "He was incredible on Hill Street Blues. One of my all time favorites."
"Such a wonderful actor! I adored his character on Hill Street and am grateful for his performance," said another fan in tribute. Another said: "Such a great presence."
Deadline reports that he had been a national spokesperson for adoption and had welcomed eleven adopted children into his family, alongside his two biological children.
According to the outlet, the late actor is survived by 12 of his children. It's been reported that he is also survived by 18 grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren.
