Biography
Who is Avery Brooks?
Early life and education
Avery Brooks was born in Evansville, United States on October 2, 1948. His mother Eva Lydia worked as a choral conductor and music instructor, while his father Samuel sang and worked as a tool and die worker. When he was eight years old, his family relocated to Gary, United States. The household was filled with music, and his mother taught music wherever they lived.
Avery attended Indiana University and Oberlin College. He later earned a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Fine Arts from Rutgers University in 1976. He made history by becoming the first African American to receive an MFA in acting and directing from Rutgers University.
Television career
Avery gained widespread recognition in 1985 when he was cast as Hawk on the ABC television detective series Spenser: For Hire. The character proved popular, leading to a short-lived spinoff series titled A Man Called Hawk in 1989. He later reprised the role of Hawk in four television movies based on the detective series.
His most prominent television role came when he starred as Captain Benjamin Sisko on the syndicated science-fiction series Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. The show ran for seven seasons from 1993 to 1999. Avery beat one hundred other actors to secure the role, making history as the first Black-American captain to lead a Star Trek series. He also directed nine episodes of the show.
Stage and music work
Avery built an extensive career in theater, receiving critical acclaim for playing Paul Robeson in a one-man biographical drama. He performed the role at the Westwood Playhouse in Los Angeles, the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., and the Longacre Theater on Broadway. His other stage credits include Othello, Fences, and The Oedipus Plays.
As a deep baritone singer and jazz musician, Avery released his debut jazz and blues album titled Here in 2006. He also performed the lead role in Anthony Davis operas including X: The Life and Times of Malcolm X and Tania. In addition to performing music, he taught theater arts at Oberlin College and Case Western Reserve University.
Birthday and age
Avery Brooks was born on October 2, 1948, which makes Avery 78 years old today. That birthday falls under the Libra sign. Avery shares the date with 35 other famous people.
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