‘The Wire’ actor Al Brown has passed away

Actor Al Brown, who played Col. Stan Valchek on the hit series The Wire passed away on Friday, January 13, 2023. He was 83.

The late star’s talent manager Michael shared the sad news on Brown’s official Facebook page late Saturday.

“I am sad to let you know that angels came for Al yesterday morning, Friday, January 13, 2023,” the statement read. “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 confirmed to TMZ that her father passed away from complications due to Alzheimer’s disease in Las Vegas. She also briefly informed that her late father served as an Air Force vet, having two tours in Vietnam before joining Hollywood in the 90s.

Jenny also added that Al loved his job, loved his fans, and was “happy to stop and chat with anyone who might've recognized him from the show over the years.”

Brown will be best remembered as playing the crooked Baltimore Police Department official Col. Stan Valchek in the hit HBO show The Wire from the 2000s. His character, a proud Polish-American, was recurring in all five seasons of the TV series but was a major character in season two.

Moreover, he has also guest starred on TV shows including Rescue Me, Forensic Files, Law & Order: SVU,  Commander in Chief, and The Hustler. He also had minor roles in the films The Replacements, 12 Monkeys, Lay the Favorite, Red Dragon, and Liberty Heights.

Brown had announced his official retirement from acting just a couple of months ago – in November 2022. He is survived by his children and extended family.