Al Brown, who played Col. Stan Valchek on the hit series “The Wire,” died Friday. He was 83.
Brown’s talent manager Michael announced the news on the late actor’s official Facebook page late Saturday.
“I am sad to let you know that angels came for Al yesterday morning, Friday, January 13, 2023,” the statement began. “May his memory be a blessing to his family, his friends, and each of you.This page will remain as a testimony to Al’s work and love for his fans.”
Brown’s daughter Jenny also told TMZ that her father passed away in Las Vegas from complications due to Alzheimer’s disease. She also shared that prior to getting into Hollywood in the ’90s, he was an Air Force vet who served two tours in Vietnam.
Jenny added that her late father loved his fans and was always happy to stop and chat with anyone who might’ve recognized him from the show over the years.
Brown also guest starred on TV shows such as “Rescue Me,” “Forensic Files,” “Law & Order: SVU,” “Commander in Chief,” “The Hustler” and more. He also had smaller roles in movies such as”The Replacements,” “12 Monkeys,” “Lay the Favorite,” “Red Dragon” and “Liberty Heights.”
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Despite his lengthy resumé, Brown will be best known for his role on the hit HBO show. In “The Wire,” Brown portrayed the crooked Baltimore Police Department official who would impede the investigations of officers looking into the corruption and drug trade on the waterfront with the dock workers.
Although Brown appeared as Valchek in all five seasons of “The Wire,” he mainly appeared in the second season as a proud Polish-American who got mixed up with the Greek mob.
“Have learned almost everything the hard way. But, have never quit or stopped trying,” Brown also on his LinkedIn bio. “Believe ‘honor’ is a way of life and should be cherished. Have always wanted to be an actor.
“Gave it up for family, the military, and obvious responsibilities for 30+ years. Back at it. Thank God for my TV Show ‘The Wire!!!’”
He announced his official retirement from acting on Nov. 1, 2022.
Brown is survived by his children and extended family.