Taurean Blacque facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Taurean Blacque
Born	Herbert Middleton Jr. (1940-05-10)May 10, 1940 Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
Died	July 21, 2022(2022-07-21) (aged 82) Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.
Occupation	Actor
Years active	1976–2018
Spouse(s)	Shelby ​ ​ (m. 1966, divorced)​
Children	12 (10 adopted)

Taurean Blacque (born Herbert Middleton Jr.; May 10, 1940 – July 21, 2022) was an American actor who starred on TV and in plays. He is most famous for playing Detective Neal Washington in the TV show Hill Street Blues. He chose the name "Taurean" because his astrological sign was Taurus. Blacque was also a national spokesperson for adoption services. His Christian faith inspired him to help with adoption.

Early Life and Acting Career

Taurean Blacque was born Herbert Middleton Jr. on May 10, 1940. His hometown was Newark, New Jersey. Before acting on television, he trained at the New Federal Theatre in New York City. This theater helped give chances to minority actors and women.

First TV Roles

Early in his career, Blacque appeared in many popular TV shows. He was a guest star in sitcoms like What's Happening!! and Sanford and Son. He also appeared in The Bob Newhart Show, Good Times, and Taxi. He even tried out for a main role on WKRP in Cincinnati.

Starring in Hill Street Blues

In 1981, Blacque joined the cast of the police drama Hill Street Blues. He played Detective Neal Washington. He stayed with the show until it ended in 1987. In 1982, he was nominated for a big award, the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series. All the actors nominated in his category that year were from Hill Street Blues.

Stage Work and Other Projects

While on Hill Street Blues, Blacque continued to act in plays. He won an NAACP Image Award in 1985. This was for his role in the play Amen Corner. In 1986, he starred in the musical Don't Get God Started.

After Hill Street Blues finished, Blacque moved to Atlanta, Georgia. He wanted to provide a better home for his children. In Atlanta, he focused more on theater. He also made guest appearances on TV. His stage performances included Stepping Into Tomorrow and Ceremonies in Dark Old Men. He also had a small voice role in Disney's animated movie Oliver & Company. In 1989, he acted in the TV show Generations. He also had a main role in the science-fiction film DeepStar Six.

Helping Children Through Adoption

Taurean Blacque became a spokesperson for adoption services. He was first asked by the County of Los Angeles Adoption Services office. At that time, he did not have any adopted children himself. He was told he could not adopt because he was not married. However, he kept trying. He eventually adopted ten children. He also had two sons from a previous marriage.

In 1989, President George H. W. Bush asked him to be a national spokesperson for adoption. Blacque helped many people learn about the importance of adoption.

Later Life and Passing

Taurean Blacque passed away at age 82 in Atlanta, Georgia. This was on July 21, 2022, after a short illness. He was survived by his 12 children, 18 grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren.

Filmography