Entertainment

‘Orange Is The New Black’ Star Brad William Henke Dead At 56

(Photo: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)

Melanie Wilcox Contributor
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Former NFL player turned actor Brad William Henke died in his sleep Tuesday, TMZ confirmed.

The cause of Henke’s death is unclear, according to sources connected to his family, TMZ reported. (RELATED: Fleetwood Mac Singer Christine McVie Dead At 79)

Henke was most well-known for playing a prison guard in “Orange Is The New Black.” He also had roles in television shows including “Law & Order,” “Justified,” “Lost,” “The Office” and in films including “Must Love Dogs,” “Sherrybaby,” “Choke,” “Pacific Rim,” and “World Trade Center,” according to his iMDB.

Henke played college football at the University of Arizona before the New York Giants drafted him in 1989. He also played for the Denver Broncos and played in Super Bowl XXIV against the San Francisco 49ers, TMZ reported. After retiring in 1994 due to ankle injuries, Henke started acting in commercials, and landed guest spots in shows including “ER,” “Arli$$,” “Nash Bridges,” “Silk Stalkings” and “Chicago Hope.” He also appeared in “CSI,” “Judging Amy,” “Crossing Jordan” and “Dexter.”

“Brad was an incredibly kind man of joyous energy,” his manager Matt DelPiano told TMZ. “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.”