The Wire star Al Brown has passed away
Las Vegas, Nevada - The Wire star Al Brown has died at the age of 83. He played the role of Col. Stan Valchek in the acclaimed TV series.
The actor passed away on Friday, his talent manager Michael shared in a Facebook post.
"I am sad to let you know that angels came for Al yesterday morning, Friday, January 13, 2023," he wrote. "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 told TMZ that her father died in Las Vegas as a result of Alzheimer's disease. She also shared that before Al went to Hollywood in the '90s, he served in the Air Force, including two tours in Vietnam.
She added that her father adored his fans and always enjoyed talking to anyone who recognized him over the years.
The 83-year-old has thrilled audiences in numerous roles throughout his 30-year career, including guest appearances on television shows such as Rescue Me, Forensic Files, Law & Order: SVU, Commander in Chief, Maron, and The Hustler, as well as smaller film roles in The Replacements, 12 Monkeys, Lay the Favorite, Red Dragon, and Liberty Heights.
Brown had a special knack for playing hard-boiled cops and lawmen.
Al Brown was best known for his role as Col. Stan Valchek in The Wire
Brown is best known for his role as Col. Stan Valchek in The Wire.
In the hit HBO series, he portrayed a corrupt Baltimore Police Department official proud of his Polish heritage.
Although Brown appeared in all five seasons of The Wire as Valchek, he got the most screen time in the second season, which depicted his contentious relationship with local Polish-American dockworkers.
"Have learned almost everything the hard way. But,have never quit or stopped trying. Believe 'honor' is a way of life and should be cherished," Brown said in his LinkedIn bio. "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'!!!"
Brown announced his official retirement from acting on November 1, 2022.
Cover photo: Collage: IMDb/The Wire, Facebook/Al Brown