Brad Henke, the jovial and energetic actor from "Orange Is the New Black," tragically passed away at the age of 56. His agent, Matt DelPiano, shared the news on Instagram, expressing their sympathies to Henke's family and wife. Details about Henke's peaceful death on November 29 were shared by his agent, Sheree Cohen, with CNN.
Born in Columbus, Nebraska, Henke later moved to Littleton, Colorado, where he attended University of Arizona on a football scholarship. His football career didn't last long, however, as injuries forced him out of the game. Determined to stay in the limelight, Henke migrated to Los Angeles in search of a future as a trainer. However, his fate took an unexpected turn when he auditioned in response to a call-out for a "Big Shot."
Instead, Henke landed roles in numerous television series, including "ER," "Silk Trail," and "Arli$$. He also appeared in popular films like "Space Jam" and "Mr. Space." His big break came with the role of Desi Piscatella in "Orange Is the New Black," which brought him widespread recognition and earned him a Screen Actors Guild Award.
Henke's acting career spanned more than 40 films, including "The Light and the Furious," "Me and You and Everyone We Know," and "Choke," which received the Ensemble Cast Award at the Sundance Film Festival in 2008. He also opened an acting studio in Los Angeles to guide other aspiring actors.
Known for his passion for the NFL and UFC, Henke also loved his role as a dedicated family man, frequently visiting his mother, accompanying his stepson to football games, and enjoying time with his dog, Ruby.
Henke leaves behind his mother, Tammy, sister Annette, wife Sonia, stepson Arden, stepdaughter Lysa, and granddaughter Amira.
Brad Henry's acting career soared after his retirement from professional football, leading him to numerous successful roles in entertainment. His work in the industry expanded beyond football, with notable appearances on Broadway and in television series and films.
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Enrichment Data: While Henke's time in the NFL was cut short due to injuries, his passion for sports never wavered. He transitioned to a successful acting career, appearing in Broadway productions like "Les Misérables" and "Hair." Additionally, his career in television and film took off, with roles in shows like "The Americans" and movies such as "The Last Stand." After his death, many celebrities and fans paid tribute to the talented actor, expressing their admiration for his work and personality.
