“Orange Is the New Black” actor Brad William Henke died Tuesday at age 56.
Sources connected to Henke’s family told TMZ that he passed away in his sleep, though the cause of death remains unclear.
“Orange Is the New Black” actor Brad William Henke died Tuesday at age 56. Instagram/Brad William HenkeHenke is best known for playing one of the prison guards on “OITNB,” which ran for seven seasons on Netflix from 2013 until 2019.
The star was present in the scene that sees Poussey Washington — played by actress Samira Wiley — being killed off, one of the biggest moments in the Netflix dramedy.
Henke also appeared in such scripted TV hits as “Justified,” “Lost,” “ER,” “CSI,” “Judging Amy,” “Crossing Jordan,” “Dexter” and “Chicago Hope.”
Additionally, he acted in “Pacific Rim” and “World Trade Center,” among other films.
“Brad was an incredibly kind man of joyous energy,” Henke’s manager, Mat DelPiano, told TMZ in a statement.
“A very talented actor, he loved being a part of this community … and we loved him back. Our thoughts are with his wife and family.”
The former football player entered the Hollywood scene after retiring from the NFL in 1994 due to a series of injuries.
The defensive lineman played in college at the University of Arizona before being drafted in 1989 by the New York Giants.
He notably played for the Denver Broncos during the Super Bowl XXIV game against the San Francisco 49ers.
