Avery Brooks age, wife, bio, now, net worth, salary, career

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<p>Avery Brooks is an acclaimed American <a href="/biography/avery-brooks">actor</a> and singer, best known for his role as Hawk on the television series <em>Spenser: For Hire</em> and as <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benjamin_Sisko">Captain</a> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benjamin_Sisko">Benjamin Sisko</a> on <em>Star Trek: Deep Space Nine</em>. His commanding presence on screen and resonant baritone voice have made him a distinctive figure in both television and music.</p>

<h2>Early Life and Education</h2>

<p>Avery Brooks was born on October 2, 1948, in Evansville, Indiana, and raised in Gary, Indiana, in a musically rich environment. His mother, Eva Lydia Crawford, was an accomplished music instructor and one of the first <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/African_Americans">African-American</a> women to earn a master's degree in music from Northwestern University. His father, Samuel Brooks, was a tool and die worker who also sang in the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wings_Over_Jordan_Choir">Wings Over Jordan Choir</a>, a renowned spiritual <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wings_Over_Jordan_Choir">ensemble</a> that performed on CBS radio. Brooks’ musical lineage extended further—his uncle was a member of the pioneering vocal group the Delta Rhythm Boys.</p>

<p>Brooks pursued higher education at both Indiana University and Oberlin College before earning both a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Fine Arts in acting and directing from Rutgers University. Notably, he became the first <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/African_Americans">African-American</a> to receive an MFA in acting and directing from Rutgers, marking a significant milestone in the university's history.</p>

<h2>Academic and Musical Pursuits</h2>

<p>In 1976, Avery Brooks joined the faculty at Rutgers University’s Mason Gross School of the Arts as an associate professor of theatre arts. Alongside his academic duties, he explored his passion for music, particularly jazz, which he described as a spiritual gift. Brooks drew inspiration from jazz legends and often combined his theatrical expertise with musical performance.</p>

<p>He collaborated with distinguished artists such as <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Butch_Morris">Butch Morris</a> and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lester_Bowie">Lester Bowie</a> in live performances and participated in the Montreal International Jazz Festival alongside <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jon_Hendricks">Jon Hendricks</a>. Additionally, he recorded an album with <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Spaulding">saxophonist</a> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Spaulding">James Spaulding</a> as a tribute to <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Duke_Ellington">Duke Ellington</a>, reflecting his deep reverence for the giants of jazz.</p>

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<h2>Marriage and Family Life</h2>

<p>Avery Brooks has been married to Vicki Lenora Brooks for over four decades. Together, they have three children: Ayana, Cabral, and Asante. Despite his public career, Brooks has kept much of his family life private, emphasizing the importance of stability and privacy amid public visibility.</p>

<h2>Acting Career Highlights</h2>

<p>Brooks received widespread recognition for his portrayal of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benjamin_Sisko">Captain</a> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benjamin_Sisko">Benjamin Sisko</a> on <em>Star Trek: Deep Space Nine</em>, which aired from 1993 to 1999. His character was notable for being the first Black lead in a <em>Star Trek</em> television series, and the role brought him into the international spotlight—despite his initial intentions to maintain a low profile in the industry. His earlier acclaimed portrayal of Hawk in <em>Spenser: For Hire</em> and its spinoff <em>A Man Called Hawk</em> solidified his standing in television drama.</p>

<p>On the big screen, Brooks further showcased his versatility. He appeared in the powerful drama <em>American History X</em> alongside <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edward_Norton">Edward Norton</a>, played a crime boss in <em>The Big Hit</em> opposite <a href="/biography/mark-wahlberg">Mark Wahlberg</a>, and took on the role of Detective Leon Jackson in <em>15 Minutes</em> with <a href="/biography/robert-de-niro">Robert De Niro</a>.</p>

<h2>Music and Voice Work</h2>

<p>Beyond acting, Brooks is a celebrated <a href="/biography/avery-brooks">baritone</a> whose music reflects his lifelong devotion to jazz and blues. In 2005, he performed at the Paris Banlieues Bleues Festival. His debut album, <em>Here</em>, released in 2009, features a selection of jazz and blues reinterpretations that highlight his rich vocal tone and musical sensibility. Brooks’ voice has also been featured in narrations and voiceover work, underlining his distinctive presence across different mediums.</p>

<h2>Legacy and Net Worth</h2>

<p>Avery Brooks continues to be revered for his contributions to the arts, both as an actor and musician. His multifaceted career has left a lasting impact on television history, academic theater, and jazz music. While his exact net worth is not publicly confirmed, various estimates place it between $5 million and $10 million, reflecting his long-standing success in multiple creative fields.</p>

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