Taurean Blacque, best recognized for his work on Hill Street Blues as Det. Neal Washington, has died at the age of 82.
In a statement, his family said he died of a common illness, according to the AP.
After changing his name from Herbert Middleton Jr. as a tribute to his zodiac sign and race, the actor went on to appear on several famous 1970s television programs, including The Bob Newhart Show, Sanford and Son, Charlie’s Angels, and Taxi. He trained at New York City’s New Federal Theater before guest-starring on a variety of hit ’70s
In the sequel to Rocky, he played a lawyer again in 1979.
Blacque’s career took off in 1981 when he was cast as Det. Neal Washington in the groundbreaking police drama Hill Street Blues, co-written by Steven Bochco. Notable for its big, multi-racial cast and intricate and gritty narrative lines, Hill Street Blues would have a significant impact on television for many years to come
Hill Street Blues was nominated for 21 Emmys in its first season and won eight, making it the most-nominated drama series at the time. Blacque was nominated for Best Supporting Actor in a Drama the following year, but he lost to his co-star Michael Conrad due to the genre’s popularity.
After the beloved series came to an close in 1987, Washington worked on TV sparingly, usually playing cops, but mostly on stage. He is best known for his 2000 appearance on the interracial soap opera Generations (1989-91).
Blacque was an ardent advocate for adoption, with two biological sons and 11 adopted children. He served as the county of Los Angeles Adoption Service’s spokesperson before becoming the country’s national spokesman for adoption in 1989. Blacque is survived by 12 children, 18 grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren.
Hill Street Blues was a groundbreaking police drama that aired from 1981 to 1987. The show depicted the lives of the officers and detectives working at the fictional Hill Street Police Department. It was one of the first TV shows to realistically portray the challenges and stress of police work.
Hill Street Blues was praised for its strong character development and its realistic portrayal of police work. The show was nominated for numerous awards, including Emmys and Golden Globes. It won eight Emmy Awards, including Best Drama Series, in its first season.
Despite its critical acclaim, Hill Street Blues was canceled after seven seasons due to declining ratings. However, it remains an iconic TV show and is often credited with influencing subsequent police dramas.
In the movie Rocky II, after being crowned heavyweight champion of the world, Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone) is enjoying his new found fame and wealth. However, he soon realizes that he is unable to enjoy his life to the fullest because he is constantly looking over his shoulder, waiting for Apollo Creed (Carl Weathers) to come after him and take back the title. Rocky decides to retire from boxing, but Creed challenges him to a rematch.
Rocky is hesitant at first, but he eventually agrees to the fight. The two boxers face off in an epic battle that ends with Rocky becoming the heavyweight champion of the world for the second time. After the fight, Rocky and Apollo finally reconcile and become friends.
The movie Rocky II is a great example of how hard work and dedication can pay off in the end. It also shows that even the strongest people can be brought down by their own fears and insecurity. However, with perseverance and a positive attitude, anything is possible.
