Biography

Taurean Blacque

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Although best known for his role as "Detective Sgt. Neal Washington" on the long-running and critically acclaimed police drama Hill Street Blues (1981), Taurean Blacque was one of the best stage actors of his time. A long-time resident of Atlanta, Georgia, he performed in several productions at the Alliance Theatre of Atlanta. Among his notable roles were the James Baldwin play "The Amen Corner" opposite Carol Mitchell-Leon, Elizabeth Omilami and Crystal Fox; and as "Shealy" in the August Wilson play "Jitney" opposite such notables as John Lawhorn, John Beasley, Anthony Chisholm and Charles Canada. Both productions were directed by then-Alliance Artistic Director Kenny Leon. Noted for his involvement in the community as well, Blacque, who had two adult biological sons, adopted nine children in the late 1980s. A deeply spiritual man, he adopted the name "Taurean" from his astrological sign of "Taurus" and the name "Blacque" from his race.
- IMDb mini biography by: L. J. Allen-2 (qv's & corrections by A. Nonymous)

In 1989, he was asked by President George H. W. Bush to serve as a national spokesman for adoption.
While appearing on Hill Street Blues he was nominated in 1982 for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series, but lost to fellow Hill Street actor Michael Conrad, in a year in which all the nominees in the category came from the same series.
Survived by his 12 children, 18 grandchildren, and two great-grand children.
After Hill Street ended, Blacque moved to Atlanta, Georgia, to provide a better home for his children. In Atlanta, he focused on theatrical work while making occasional guest appearances on television. Blacque's notable stage performances included Stepping Into Tomorrow with Yolanda King in 1987 and a 1988 revival of Ceremonies in Dark Old Men.
His theatrical career continued during his run on Hill Street Blues , winning him an NAACP Image Award for Best Actor (Local) in 1985 for his role in Amen Corner.

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