‘The Wire’ actor dead at 62 after tragic barn fire

The “Wire” star Bobby J. Brown has died at age 62.

The actor died due to smoke inhalation after being caught in a barn fire on Wednesday, his daughter told TMZ Thursday.

The Maryland Office of the Chief Medical Examiner confirmed Brown’s cause of death to TMZ, stating that he suffered from smoke inhalation and diffuse thermal injury.

The fire was deemed to be an accident caused by a vehicle that the HBO actor jump-started in the barn.

He called for a family member to bring him a fire extinguisher. However, the barn was engulfed in flames by the time they arrived.

Brown’s agent, Albert Bramante, also spoke out about his tragic passing, telling TMZ, “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.”

Brown made several guest appearances as Officer Bobby Brown in “The Wire,” which aired from 2002 to 2008.

His death follows several of his co-stars, including James Ransone, who portrayed Ziggy Sobotka, who died by suicide in December 2025.

Brown’s other notable roles included the 2008 Albert Bramante-directed film “From Within” and a few special appearances in “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.”

Brown’s most recent role was in the 2023 movie “Mailman.”

According to Brown’s IMDB profile, he was born in Washington, D.C., and grew up in Pennsylvania.

Before seeking a career in show business, he was a boxer who competed in amateur competitions and secured five Golden Glove Championships.

Brown later attended the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York and landed a role in “Law & Order-SVU” after graduation.