How did Al Brown die? Actor, 83, was famous for playing Colonel Stan Valchek in 'The Wire'
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA: Al Brown, who starred in David Simon's renowned crime drama 'The Wire' as the corrupt police commissioner Stan Valchek for the Baltimore Police Department, died on Friday, January 13, 2023, at the age of 83.
On Saturday, January 14, Brown's talent manager Michael posted an announcement on the late actor's official Facebook page. Michael stated, "I am sad to let you know that angels came for Al yesterday morning, Friday, January 13, 2023. 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 died in Las Vegas as a result of complications from Alzheimer's disease. Jenny stated that her late father adored his fans and was always delighted to stop and talk to anyone who might have known him from the shows he has appeared on over the years.
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On Twitter, several of Brown's fans have expressed their condolences, with one person writing, "RIP His last scene on The Wire just makes me laugh in an ironic way. Al Brown acted Valchek brilliantly. Never a dull moment."
RIP
— Graham ☭ (@SavageBiscuits) January 14, 2023
His last scene on The Wire just makes me laugh in an ironic way.
Al Brown acted Valchek brilliantly. Never a dull moment.
Another admirer, who had the opportunity to interact with Brown, wrote, "I had the pleasure of meeting Al completely at random in 2003. My cousin had moved to Cape Charles VA & I was visiting during the summer. Al was eating breakfast in a small restaurant. Introduced myself as a Baltimore native & we chatted for a few minutes. Nice guy! RIP 💜💜."
I had the pleasure of meeting Al completely at random in 2003. My cousin had moved to Cape Charles VA & I was visiting during the summer. Al was eating breakfast in a small restaurant. Introduced myself as a Baltimore native & we chatted for a few minutes. Nice guy! RIP 💜💜
— Ravens Rob 💜🖤🧡😈🏈⚾️🔥🙌 (@EliteRob2914) January 14, 2023
Brown's brother-in-law also tweeted, "It's really nice to read all these nice comments. Al was my brother in law. He was a kind man," to which a fan replied, "Always loved watching him. Will continue to celebrate him on Twitter and my Wire FB group. I followed his FB page and always sent well wishes to him."
Always loved watching him. Will continue to celebrate him on Twitter and my Wire FB group. I followed his FB page and always sent well wishes to him. BTW- someone from his past (same last name as you) was asking about funeral arrangements. Check your DM’s.
— Ziggy Sobotka (@Ziggys_Duck) January 15, 2023
Regards, Kurt Burke pic.twitter.com/Fe8zkk9mB0
Brown has appeared in guest roles on numerous TV shows, including 'Rescue Me', 'Forensic Files', 'Law & Order: SVU', 'Commander in Chief', 'The Hustler', and several others. Additionally, he appeared in supporting roles in movies like 'The Replacements', '12 Monkeys', Lay the Favorite', 'Red Dragon', and 'Liberty Heights'.
Jenny stated that Brown served two years in Vietnam in the Air Force before breaking into Hollywood in the '90s. Even after playing so many other characters, Brown's part in the HBO series 'The Wire' will be remembered the most.
Brown played the corrupt Baltimore Police Department official who would obstruct the investigations of cops digging into the corruption and drug trade on the waterfront with the dock workers in the HBO series. On November 1, 2022, he declared his formal retirement from acting. He is survived by his children and other relatives.