Tributes are paid to Orange Is the New Black actor Brad William Henke, who has died aged 56

Virgin Radio

2 Dec 2022, 09:23

Former NFL player and Orange Is the New Black actor Brad William Henke died in his sleep on 29th November.

The actor’s family confirmed the news to Deadline. No cause of death has been given.

In a statement, Henke’s manager, Matt DelPiano, said to TMZ: "Brad was an incredibly kind man of joyous energy. 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."

As well as appearing as corrections officer Desi Piscatella in Orange Is the New Black in more than two dozen episodes from 2016 to 2018. Henke also appeared in Dexter, Lost, ER, October Road and Chicago Hope, and movies such as Pacific Rim, and World Trade Center and Choke.

In his sporting career, he played college football at the University of Arizona, and later played for the New York Giants and the Denver Broncos. He retired from the NFL in 1994, due to injury.

Friends and fans of Henke have been paying tributes via social media. Orange Is the New Black actor Tamara Torres wrote on Twitter: “Brad William Henke what a loss. He was a great guy. Rest in peace OITNB brother. 💔”

OITNB casting director Jen Euston tweeted: “This is a shock. rest well, Brad. Thank you for all the work you contributed on OITNB. you will not be forgotten.”

Actor and director Bryan Greenberg wrote: “RIP Brad William Henke aka Owen Rowen from October Road. Your heart was too big for this life."

TV producer and writer Leonard Chang wrote: "Oh, no! Coover! A lovely man, a gentleman, and a great actor."

The actor is survived by his wife, Sonja, mother Tammy, sister Annette, stepchildren Aaden and Leasa, and grandchild Amirah.

The thoughts of everyone at Virgin Radio are with Brad’s family and friends.