“Orange Is The New Black” actor Brad William Henke dies at the age of 56

Brad William Henke, the former NFL player best known for his role as correctional officer Desi Piscatella on “Orange Is the New Black,” died Tuesday at the age of 56, a rep for the actor told Variety.

“Brad was an incredibly kind man full of happy energy. As a very talented actor, he loved being part of this community…. and we loved him back. Our thoughts are with his wife and family,” his manager Matt DelPiano told TMZ.

The cause of death was not disclosed.

Henke began an acting career after injuries forced him to retire from professional football in 1994. Over the course of his career, he has appeared in dozens of television series, including Law & Order, Life on Mars, Shameless, and Criminal Minds. “Bones”, “Lost” and “The Office”.

His film appearances included “Pacific Rim” and “World Trade Center”.

He played college football at the University of Arizona before being drafted by the New York Giants in 1989. He then played for the Denver Broncos and played on their defensive line in Super Bowl XXIV in 1990 against the San Francisco 49ers.