Taurean Blacque (born Herbert Middleton Jr.; May 10, 1940 – July 21, 2022)[1] was an American television and stage actor, best known for his role as Detective Neal Washington on the series Hill Street Blues.

[1] Before appearing on television, Blacque trained and performed at the New Federal Theatre in New York City, a theater founded to provide opportunities to minorities and women.

[8] His theatrical career continued during his run on the show, winning him an NAACP Image Award for Best Actor (Local) in 1985 for his role in Amen Corner.

[9] In 1986 his stage roles included the male lead in the musical Don't Get God Started during its initial six-week summer run in Beverly Hills.

Blacque's notable stage performances included Stepping Into Tomorrow with Yolanda King in 1987[11] and a 1988 revival of Ceremonies in Dark Old Men.