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Brad William Henke dead at 56: Former NFL player turned actor ‘passed away in his sleep’

Brad William Henke dead at 56: Former NFL player turned actor on Orange Is The New Black and Dexter ‘passed away in his sleep’ his family confirms

Actor and NFL alum Brad William Henke has died at the age of 56.

Henke’s family said that the actor – best known for appearing on shows such as Orange Is the New Black, Justified and Lost – passed away in his sleep on November 28, according to Deadline.

Henke, who was also in films such as Pacific Rim and World Trade Center, played college football at the University of Arizona and went on to be drafted by the New York Giants and play for the Denver Broncos.

The latest: Actor and NFL alum Brad William Henke has died at the age of 56

The latest: Actor and NFL alum Brad William Henke has died at the age of 56

Henke was born on 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’s first recurring role was on the WB series Nikki, starring Nikki Cox, from 2000-2002, in which he played the role of Thor.

Henke was seen on the red carpet at the 2018 SAG Awards in LA

Henke was seen on the red carpet at the 2018 SAG Awards in LA

The actor racked up more than 100 credits in his Hollywood career

The actor racked up more than 100 credits in his Hollywood career

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