Hollywood actors Georg Stanford Brown and Tyne Daly defied societal norms and faced prejudice head-on to build a love that stood the test of time. Their story began in the 1960s, a time when interracial marriage was still considered taboo and illegal in many parts of the United States. But their love prevailed.
They tied the knot on June 1, 1966, just a year before interracial marriage became legal across the entire country. It was a bold and courageous move, considering that as late as 1960, such marriages were still illegal in 31 states.
Before making it big in Hollywood, Georg Stanford Brown had his own journey. He moved from Havana to Harlem at the age of 7 and later settled in LA, where he pursued his education, majoring in theater arts. Initially, theater arts was just a casual choice for Brown, a path he believed would be “easy”.
However, it quickly grew on him, leading him to attend the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York. To pay for his tuition, he worked as a school janitor, earning a modest $80 per week.
It was during his time at the academy that Brown crossed paths with Tyne Daly, his future wife. They both studied under Philip Burton, the mentor of the renowned actor Richard Burton. Brown went on to gain recognition for his role as Officer Terry Webster on the popular ABC series “The Rookies,” which aired from 1972 to 1976. He also left a lasting impression with his portrayal of Tom Harvey in the groundbreaking mini-series “Roots.”
Tyne Daly, on the other hand, was already a household name when she and Brown tied the knot. She was famous for her role as Mary Beth Lacey, the gun-toting working-mother cop in the hit show “Cagney and Lacey.”
The couple faced racial prejudice throughout their marriage, but they chose to disregard it, refusing to be defined by society’s narrow-minded views. Their resilience and determination were put to the test when they shared their first on-screen interracial kiss in an episode of “The Rookies.” Network censors wanted to delete the scene, but Brown and Daly held their ground. The segment was taped and aired without any issues, showcasing their unwavering commitment to each other and their beliefs.
In an interview with the Washington Post in 1985, Daly expressed her perspective on being married to Brown. She saw it simply as being married to “another member of the human race,” refusing to be boxed into categories. Their bond went beyond race; it was built on love and shared values.
Together, Brown and Daly have three remarkable daughters: Alisabeth Brown, born December 12, 1967; Kathryne Dora Brown, born February 10, 1971; and Alyxandra Beatris Brown, born October 1, 1985. They chose to raise their children with an open mindset, rejecting labels and embracing their unique place in the world. On their daughter Alyxandra’s birth certificate, they wrote “human” under race, “yes” under sex, and “citizen of the world” under ethnic origin.
Although their marriage ultimately ended in divorce after 24 years, Brown and Daly’s love story remains an inspiration. They defied prejudice and societal expectations, showing that love knows no bounds. Let us celebrate their extraordinary journey and share their story of love conquering all.
