Georg Stanford Brown is a renowned American actor and director, best recognized for his portrayal of Tom Harvey, the great-grandson of Kunta Kinte, in the acclaimed miniseries Roots (1977) and Roots: The Next Generations (1979). Born in Havana, Cuba, Brown's family relocated to Harlem, New York when he was just seven years old.
As a young man, Brown dropped out of school at the age of 16 and moved to Los Angeles a year later. He enrolled at Los Angeles City College to study theater arts, but soon discovered his true passion for the craft. Brown continued his education at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in Manhattan, where he met his future wife, actress Tyne Daly. The couple married in 1966 and had three daughters together, remaining together until their divorce in 1990.
Brown began his acting career on stage, making his debut just six months after completing his studies. He quickly transitioned to screen work, making his credited debut as Henri Philipot in the 1967 drama The Comedians. Although he initially acquired smaller supporting roles, Brown's breakthrough came when he was cast as Officer Terry Webster in the police procedural drama series The Rookies (1972). He remained in the role for four seasons before deciding to focus on directing.
Brown's directing career took off, with credits including multiple episodes of Starsky and Hutch, Charlie's Angels, Hill Street Blues, Cagney & Lacey, and Dynasty. He was nominated for three Primetime Emmy Awards, winning one for the top-rated final season five episode of Cagney & Lacey, titled 'Parting Shots'. Throughout his career, Brown has also made sporadic appearances on screen, with notable roles in the miniseries North & South: Book 1, North & South (1985) and Linc's (1998).
