NFL star-turned-actor Brad William Henke has tragically died suddenly “in his sleep,” his family has confirmed.
Henke’s family said he passed away in his sleep on November 28, according to Deadline.
After a football career in the 1980s and 90s playing for the New York Giants and the Denver Broncos, playing in Super Bowl XXIV against the San Francisco 49ers, Henke forged a successful acting career.
Henke was best known for appearing in hit shows such as Dexter, Orange Is the New Black, Justified, and Lost.
“Brad was an incredibly kind man of joyous energy,” Henke’s 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.”
Henke was born April 10, 1966, in Columbus, Nebraska, and grew up in Littleton, Colorado.
Following his retirement from professional football in 1994, he moved to Los Angeles to further his coaching career and began auditioning for acting roles.
He went on to act in more than 100 parts, initially appearing on TV shows including ER, Chicago Hope, Silk Stockings, and Nash Bridges.
Henke is survived by his wife, Sonja, mother Tammy, sister Annette, stepchildren Aaden and Leasa, and grandchild Amirah.
The cause of his death was unclear as of Friday morning.
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