The entertainment world was saddened by the sudden passing of the Emmy-winning actor known for his roles in “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” and “Homicide: Life on the Street.” He died at age 61 after a brief illness, as confirmed by his publicist Jennifer Allen.
Renowned for his privacy, the actor’s death came as a surprise to many, including his co-stars. In a 2014 interview with the New York Times, he mentioned having given up smoking and drinking years prior.
Born in Chicago, the actor achieved Hollywood recognition with his role in the 1989 film “Glory,” where he starred alongside Denzel Washington and Morgan Freeman. He gained further acclaim for his portrayal of Detective Frank Pemberton in the NBC police drama “Homicide: Life on the Street,” a role that earned him the first of his two career Emmys.
Throughout his career, he received 11 Emmy nominations. This included four nominations for his comedic role as Captain Ray Holt in “Brooklyn Nine-Nine,” a popular series starring Andy Samberg that aired for eight seasons on Fox and NBC. His passing marks a significant loss in the entertainment industry, leaving behind a legacy of diverse and memorable performances.