Avery Brooks Bio 2026: Age, Height, Wife, Family, Star Trek Career, Net Worth, Starfleet Academy Tribute
Avery Brooks is a highly respected American actor, director, singer, narrator, and educator, celebrated for his pioneering role as Captain Benjamin Sisko on Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (DS9). As the first Black actor to lead a Star Trek series, he delivered a commanding, nuanced performance from 1993 to 1999 that broke barriers and inspired generations. Beyond television, Brooks has excelled in theater, academia, and music, maintaining a private life focused on family and teaching even in retirement as of 2026—highlighted by a heartfelt vocal tribute in Star Trek: Starfleet Academy.
Quick Facts
| Full Name | Avery Franklin Brooks |
| Nick Name | Brooks |
| Profession | Actor, Director, Singer, Narrator, Educator (retired from acting) |
| Birth Date | October 2, 1948 |
| Age | 77 (as of February 2026) |
| Birth Place | Evansville, Indiana, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Known For | Captain Benjamin Sisko on Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Hawk on Spenser: For Hire |
| Ethnicity | African American |
| Zodiac Sign | Libra |
| Height | 6 feet 1 inch (185 cm) |
| Weight | Approximately 154–170 lbs (70–77 kg) |
| Hair Color | Black (often shaved head with goatee) |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
| Qualification | MFA in Acting and Directing from Rutgers University (first African American recipient) |
| Religion | Not publicly disclosed |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse | Vicki Lenora Bowen (m. 1976–present) |
| Relationships | Long-term marriage; no notable public affairs |
| Children | Three: Ayana Brooks, Asante Brooks, Cabral Brooks |
| Family Tree | Parents: Samuel Brooks (singer/tool and die worker) and Eva Lydia Crawford (choral conductor/pianist); Maternal grandfather: Samuel travis crawford (tenor/singer) |
| Hobbies | Playing jazz piano, music performance, theater education, cultural advocacy |
| Current Work | Retired from acting; Tenured professor emeritus of theater arts at Rutgers University |
| Years Active | 1977–2013 (acting); Ongoing in education and occasional tributes |
| Net Worth | Estimated $4–10 million in 2026 (some sources claim higher, but likely overstated) |
| Residence | New Jersey area (near Rutgers University) |
Early Life & Education
Avery Brooks was born on October 2, 1948, in Evansville, Indiana, into a deeply musical family. His mother, Eva Lydia Crawford, was a choral conductor, pianist, and music instructor—one of the first African American women to earn a master’s in music from Northwestern University. His father, Samuel Brooks, was a singer, tool and die worker, and union official who performed with the Wings Over Jordan Choir. His maternal grandfather, Samuel Travis Crawford, was a tenor who toured with the Delta Rhythm Boys.
At age eight, the family moved to Gary, Indiana, after his father lost his job at International Harvester. Brooks attended Theodore Roosevelt High School in Gary, where he developed a love for performance and music. He studied at Oberlin College and Indiana University before earning both a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Fine Arts in acting and directing from Rutgers University in 1976—becoming the first African American to receive an MFA in those fields from the institution. This strong educational foundation shaped his career in theater and academia.
Career Journey
Avery Brooks’ career blends theater roots, television breakthroughs, and a lasting commitment to education.
Early Career and Theater Roots
Brooks joined Rutgers University’s Mason Gross School of the Arts as a professor in 1976, teaching theater while directing and performing on stage. He served as artistic director of the National Black Arts Festival in Atlanta from 1993 to 1996. His theater work included acclaimed portrayals like Paul Robeson in a one-man biographical drama (performed since 1982) and roles in classics such as Othello and A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
Breakthrough in Television
He gained fame as Hawk, the enigmatic aide to Robert Urich’s Spenser in Spenser: For Hire (1985–1988), leading to the spin-off A Man Called Hawk (1989). These roles showcased his intense, charismatic presence.
Star Trek: Deep Space Nine
In 1993, Brooks became the first Black actor to lead a Star Trek series as Commander (later Captain) Benjamin Sisko on Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (1993–1999). He appeared in all 173 episodes, directed several, and portrayed a complex widowed father, military leader, and Emissary of the Prophets. His performance remains iconic for its depth and cultural impact.
Later Work and Retirement
After DS9, Brooks appeared in films like American History X (1998) and 15 Minutes (2001), narrated documentaries, and voiced IBM commercials. He retired from on-screen acting around 2013 to prioritize teaching, music, and family. In 2026, Star Trek: Starfleet Academy featured a tribute episode centered on Sisko’s fate, including Brooks’ vocal cameo (from a 2007 spoken-word album) with the on-screen message “Thank you, Avery.”
Career Stats and Milestones
- TV Appearances: Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (173 episodes), Spenser: For Hire, A Man Called Hawk.
- Film Roles: American History X, The Ernest Green Story, others.
- Directing: Multiple DS9 episodes and theater productions.
- Major Achievements: First Black Star Trek series lead; Tenured Rutgers professor; Inducted into Rutgers Hall of Distinguished Alumni (1993).
For more on Star Trek legends, explore related bios like those of Patrick Stewart or William Shatner.
Personal Life
Brooks has kept a stable, private family life. He married Vicki Lenora Bowen (an assistant dean at Rutgers) in 1976. They have three children: Ayana, Asante, and Cabral. The family remains close, with Brooks crediting them for grounding his career.
He enjoys playing jazz piano (performing at events like Gordon Parks’ funeral) and cultural advocacy through organizations like the National Black Arts Festival.
Dating History/Affairs
No public affairs or relationships outside his marriage have been reported.
Controversies
Brooks has maintained a low-profile public image with minimal controversies. He faced a DUI arrest in Connecticut in 2012. Rumors of being “blacklisted” in Hollywood post-DS9 persist among fans (possibly due to his selective choices or industry politics), but he has consistently prioritized family, teaching, and theater over mainstream acting.
Awards & Achievements
- Nominated: Saturn Award for Best Actor on Television (DS9).
- Nominated: NAACP Image Awards (multiple, including for DS9 and other roles).
- Inducted into Rutgers University Hall of Distinguished Alumni (1993).
- Inducted into the College of Fellows of the American Theatre.
- William Shakespeare Award for Classical Theatre (Shakespeare Theatre Company).
- First African American MFA in acting/directing at Rutgers.
Physical Statistics
- Height: 6’1″ (185 cm)
- Weight: ~154–170 lbs (70–77 kg)
- Build: Athletic and imposing
- Distinctive Features: Deep baritone voice, shaved head, goatee (signature from DS9 era)
Quotes
- “Music is all around me and in me, as I am in it.” — On his musical family roots.
- “I was born in Evansville, but it was Gary, Ind. that made me.” — Reflecting on his upbringing.
- “Divine laws are simpler than human ones, which is why it takes a lifetime to be able to understand them. Only love can understand them.” — From his 2007 spoken-word album, featured in Starfleet Academy (2026).
Salary & Net Worth
Brooks earned from DS9 salaries, residuals, teaching, and projects. His net worth in 2026 is estimated at $4–10 million (some inflated claims reach $60 million+, but these lack strong backing based on his retirement and career scope).
Interesting Facts
- He appeared in every DS9 episode and directed several.
- While filming DS9, he videotaped Rutgers lessons—sometimes in Starfleet uniform.
- Performed at Gordon Parks’ funeral and read at Ossie Davis’.
- In 2026, Star Trek: Starfleet Academy honored him with a Sisko-focused episode using his archived voice.
Did You Know Already?
Brooks pushed for changes to DS9’s finale to give Sisko a hopeful family future rather than a tragic end.
Social Media Links
Avery Brooks keeps a low online profile with no official active accounts. Fan pages and Star Trek communities share updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Avery Brooks in 2026?
He is 77 years old, born October 2, 1948.
What is Avery Brooks best known for?
Portraying Captain Benjamin Sisko on Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, the first Black-led Star Trek series.
Is Avery Brooks married?
Yes, to Vicki Lenora Bowen since 1976; they have three children.
What is Avery Brooks’ net worth in 2026?
Estimates range from $4 million to $10 million, from acting, residuals, and academia.
Has Avery Brooks appeared in recent Star Trek projects?
In 2026, his voice featured in Star Trek: Starfleet Academy Episode 5 as a tribute—he retired from acting in 2013.
What was Avery Brooks’ career before Star Trek?
He was a theater professor at Rutgers, performed in plays like Paul Robeson, and starred as Hawk in Spenser: For Hire.
Avery Brooks’ legacy endures through his groundbreaking Star Trek role, dedication to education, and cultural impact. His thoughtful presence continues to inspire. If you enjoyed this bio, share it with fellow Star Trek fans!
