Bobby J. Brown, the colorful actor known for his role as Officer Bobby Brown on the HBO drama “The Wire,” died Tuesday in a barn fire in Maryland. He was 62 years old.
The Maryland Office of the Chief Medical Examiner told TMZ that Brown died from diffuse heat injuries and smoke inhalation. His death was ruled an accident.
Brown went into the barn to jump start his car when the fire broke out, according to his family. He then called relatives for a fire extinguisher, but by the time help arrived, the barn was already engulfed in flames. Brown’s wife suffered severe burns while trying to rescue him.
Brown was part of the ensemble cast of “The Wire,” a critically acclaimed series that explored police, politics, and street life in Baltimore. He later appeared on “Law & Order: SVU,” playing Sgt. Thomas Ares from the HBO miniseries “We Own This City.” His additional television credits included appearances on “Homicide: Life on the Streets,” “The Corner” and “Veep.”
His screen credits also include feature films such as “Love the Hard Way,” “My One and Only,” and “From Within.” He also directed documentaries about Pitbull and Congress-Funkadelic.
Born in Washington, D.C., he started out as a professional boxer and turned to acting after watching the Mickey Rourke movie Homeboy.
His agent, Albert Bramante, told TMZ: “We are upset and saddened. He was an incredible actor and human being. He was completely committed to the craft of acting and was a pleasure to work with.” The family added that Brown was a devout Jehovah’s Witness. Funeral arrangements are pending.
Brown is survived by his wife and children.
