Bobby J. Brown, recognized for his role as a police officer on HBO’s The Wire, has died in a barn fire at age 62. Maryland authorities confirm the cause of death as diffuse thermal injury and smoke inhalation, ruling it an accident.
Details of the Fatal Incident
On Tuesday, February 24, Brown entered a barn on his property in St. Mary’s County, Maryland, to jumpstart a car. The vehicle caught fire, trapping him inside. Family members tried to put out the flames and called firefighters, but the Maryland fire marshal’s office declared him dead at the scene.
His daughter, Reina Brown, shared her grief on social media: “It hurts in a way that sits heavy in my chest and does not move. I would give anything to hear his voice again, to see him one more time, and to have one more conversation. The suddenness of it is overwhelming. One ordinary evening can become the last moment you ever get.”
Career Highlights
Brown portrayed Officer Bobby Brown in 12 episodes of The Wire from 2002 to 2008. His credits also include Sgt. Thomas Allers in the 2022 HBO series We Own This City, along with appearances in Law & Order: SVU, Veep, Homicide: Life on the Street, and The Corner.
Born in Washington, DC, Brown began as a professional boxer before turning to acting, inspired by Mickey Rourke’s performance in the 1988 film Homeboy.
His agent, Albert Bramante, expressed: “I am upset and saddened. He was such a good actor and person. He was totally dedicated to the craft of acting and was a joy to work with.”
Recent Losses for The Wire Cast
Brown marks the third The Wire actor to die in the past two months, following Isiah Whitlock Jr. at age 71 and James Ransone at age 46, both in December.
