Who was Hill Street Blues’ Taurean Blacque and what was his cause of death?

TAUREAN Bacque is arguably best known for portraying Detective Neal Washington in the popular 1980s NBC police series Hill Street Blues.

Tragically, the Emmy-nominated star passed away in July 2022 at the age of 82.

Who was Hill Street Blues’ Taurean Blacque?

Taurean Blacque was a popular television and stage actor who was born on May 10, 1940, in Newark, New Jersey.

His career began in the late 1970s after making guest appearances on multiple shows, and he then got his big break in 1981 after landing the role of Detective Neal Washington on Hill Street Blues.

He starred in the show until its end in 1987 and was seen in 144 episodes.

Blacque also famously portrayed the role of Henry Marshall in Generations and voiced Roscoe in the Disney animated film Oliver & Company.

In 1999, he went back to the police force as Detective Wheeler on the short-lived soap opera Savannah.

Prior to television, Blacque would often perform in productions at the Alliance Theatre of Atlanta.

What was Taurean Blacque’s cause of death?

Blacque passed away on July 21, 2022, in Atlanta, Georgia.

His death was first confirmed by his family in a statement to and came following a brief illness.

Shortly after the news started to spread, several fans took to Twitter to remember the late star.

One user wrote: “His acting and character in [Hill Street Blues] was a highlight of the show. He was a great actor, but a better human being.”

Another added: “I am saddened right now. Taurean Blacque made the transition to the Ancestors at the age of 82. I cannot believe it.”

Did Taurean Blacque have children?

Outside of acting, Blacque was known for having a big heart.

Prior to his death, he welcomed two biological children and adopted 11.

“My life was all about me, my work and my grown kids. I had to give something back, to share something,” he said of his adoption decision in a 1989 interview with .

Blacque’s adoption journey began in 1986 after he was approached by Wini Jackson, a Los Angeles County community affairs officer, who asked him to lead a campaign that was aimed at encouraging Black families to adopt children who were hard to place.

He ultimately agreed on one condition, that he would be able to adopt a child himself.

“I don’t want to be telling other people what to do if I don’t know anything about it myself,” Blacque said.

As a result, he was asked by President George H W Bush to serve as a national spokesperson for adoption.